Biofeedback

Biofeedback
A person is connected to a computer with sensors, receiving information from the sensors via visual and sound information produced by the computer.
A diagram showing the feedback loop between person, sensor, and processor to help provide biofeedback training
ICD-10-PCSGZC
ICD-9-CM94.39
MeSHD001676
MedlinePlus002241
Biofeedback device for treating posttraumatic stress disorder

Biofeedback is the technique of gaining greater awareness of many physiological functions of one's own body by using electronic or other instruments, and with a goal of being able to manipulate the body's systems at will. Humans conduct biofeedback naturally all the time, at varied levels of consciousness and intentionality. Biofeedback and the biofeedback loop can also be thought of as self-regulation.[1][2] Some of the processes that can be controlled include brainwaves, muscle tone, skin conductance, heart rate and pain perception.[3]

Biofeedback may be used to improve health, performance, and the physiological changes that often occur in conjunction with changes to thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Recently, technologies have provided assistance with intentional biofeedback. Eventually, these changes may be maintained without the use of extra equipment, for no equipment is necessarily required to practice biofeedback.[2]

Meta-analysis of different biofeedback treatments have shown some benefit in the treatment of headaches and migraines and ADHD, though most of the studies in these meta-analyses did not make comparisons with alternative treatments.[4][5][6]

  1. ^ Durand VM, Barlow D (2009). Abnormal psychology: an integrative approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. pp. 331. ISBN 978-0-495-09556-9.
  2. ^ a b "What is Biofeedback". (See bottom of page.). Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. 18 May 2008. Retrieved 2015-03-05.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  3. ^ deCharms RC, Maeda F, Glover GH, Ludlow D, Pauly JM, Soneji D, et al. (December 2005). "Control over brain activation and pain learned by using real-time functional MRI". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 102 (51): 18626–31. Bibcode:2005PNAS..10218626D. doi:10.1073/pnas.0505210102. PMC 1311906. PMID 16352728.
  4. ^ Nestoriuc Y, Martin A. Efficacy of biofeedback for migraine: a meta-analysis. 2007. In: Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE): Quality-assessed Reviews [Internet]. York (UK): Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK); 1995-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK73546/
  5. ^ Nestoriuc Y, Martin A (March 2007). "Efficacy of biofeedback for migraine: a meta-analysis". Pain. 128 (1–2): 111–27. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2006.09.007. PMID 17084028. S2CID 23351902.
  6. ^ Nestoriuc Y, Martin A, Rief W, Andrasik F (September 2008). "Biofeedback treatment for headache disorders: a comprehensive efficacy review". Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. 33 (3): 125–40. doi:10.1007/s10484-008-9060-3. PMID 18726688. S2CID 29122354.