Biofeedback techniques are methods for gaining control over body processes by means of increasing awareness. These techniques have been studied since the 1950s and have shown successful results in treating 41 disorders, as reported by C. Yucha et al (see Resources).
History
The first clinical data supporting the possibility of biofeedback techniques dates back to the work of Neil E. Miller, the pioneer and father of biofeedback studies.
Definition
Biofeedback techniques are methods for learned control of unconscious body processes by means of information about the processes communicated to the patient in real time. The processes can either be involuntary, such as heart rate, or voluntary, such as muscle movement.
Binary Biofeedback Technique
In a binary biofeedback technique, the patient is connected to a computer with a predefined threshold that indicates or measures the changes occurring in the patient's body.
Analog Biofeedback Technique
In an analog biofeedback technique, patients monitor their body changes using a guide with numbers or data that correspond to body states such as temperature and heart rate.
Potential Applications
Biofeedback techniques may be applied to health disorders such as heart problems, chronic pain, and bladder disorders. For instance, an individual with tachycardia (fast heart rate) benefits from biofeedback by monitoring his heart rate and eventually learning to control or slow down the rate by identifying mental activities that cause physiological changes.
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