Biofeedback

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is the generic term for a variety of different approaches that use physiological measures to "feedback" information to the client. The various techniques may involve measurements of heart rate, respiration, peripheral skin temperature, and galvanic skin response (GSR, sweat gland activity, usually recorded from the palms of the hands). Additional measurements might involve muscle activity, known as EMG and measurements of brain activity known as EEG.

This information is displayed to the client so that the client may learn to manage and control the physiological systems responsible for changes in these measures. Learning to voluntarily warm the hands and fingers as well as the feet and toes can be accomplished with peripheral skin temperature training. General muscle relaxation can be accomplished using EMG training. The coordination and regulation of the heart rate variability pattern can be accomplished through the simultaneous training of heart rate and respiration. Reductions in stress responsiveness can be accomplished through GSR training. Finally brain regulation has been shown to be accessible through the use of EEG feedback techniques.

All of these approaches are members of the biofeedback family of interventions. The specific type of biofeedback intervention is chosen specifically for the client based upon a thorough and in-depth analysis. Clients with dysregulated respiration and heart rate variability patterns may benefit from one or two sessions of heart rate variability training. An individual with consistently cold extremities may benefit from peripheral temperature training, which is directly associated with the activity of the autonomic nervous system as is the galvanic skin response. Both of these measures can be trained either together or separately to facilitate better control over stress responsiveness. Individuals with issues surrounding muscular tension and bracing can benefit from learning generalized relaxation techniques in association with EMG training. Finally improvements in memory, concentration, focus, general calming and sleep can be facilitated through the use of neurofeedback (EEG training).