Biofeedback and Other Relaxation Techniques Chapter 12 Biofeedback and Other Relaxation Techniques

What is Biofeedback? Instrumentation to measure psychophysiological patterns Reports this data back to the subject The individual may not be aware of the information Process can be brought under voluntary control

Three Phases of Biofeedback Measuring the physiological parameter Converting this measurement into understandable data Feeding back information to the subject who is learning to control their body processes

Benefits of Biofeedback Biofeedback has specific physiological and psychological benefits

Physiological Effects EMG biofeedback has been effective in treating the following conditions: Asthma Hypertension Bruxism Hyperkinesias Spasticity Cerebral palsy Dystonias Dysphonia Ulcers Muscle spasms Nerve-muscle injuries Spasmodic torticollis Tinnitus Migraine headache Tension headache Colitis

Physiological Effects, cont’d Thermal biofeedback has been effective in treating the following conditions: Raynaud’s disease Hypertension Palmar hyperhidrosis Constipation Jaw taping TMJ syndrome Excessive snoring Migraine headaches Scoliosis Incontinence Leg muscle weakness Learning to walk (post stroke recovery) Insomnia Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder

Physiological Effects, cont’d Researchers have found contradictory results regarding some benefits/uses of biofeedback

Psychological Effects Phobias Stage fright Alcoholism Depression Tension headaches Pain Burnout Regulation of mental state Anxiety Insomnia Drug abuse Hyperactivity Sexual dysfunction Stuttering Various affective disorders

Psychological Effects, cont’d The more biofeedback is studied, the more common elements it shares with relaxation and cognitive stress management procedures (Rice, 1987)

Biofeedback Instrumentation Biofeedback comes in various forms and measures various physiological parameters Thermal (body temperature) EMG (muscle tension) Galvanic skin response (electrical conductivity) Biofeedback is used as a training device to achieve greater control of your physiological processes Once you are able to gain control, you will react positively to stress without dysfunction

Other Relaxation Techniques Diaphragmatic breathing (breathing to expand the belly) Body scanning – a technique that searches for body parts and transports that sensation to less relaxed areas Massage and acupressure Yoga and stretching Repetitive prayer (Benson, 1985)

Other Relaxation Techniques, cont’d Quieting reflex (Stroebel, 1983) - developing an “inner smile” technique Instant Calming Sequence (ICS) by Robert Cooper involving 5-step approach, leading to quick relaxation Mindfulness - focusing attention on the present moment to relax Music and relaxation Tai Chi

Biofeedback and Other Relaxation Techniques Chapter 12 Biofeedback and Other Relaxation Techniques