Biofeedback is the noninvasive use of instrumentation to view the
psychophysiological processes to which you are not normally aware
and learn to bring them into voluntary control. What this means,
is that the individual can learn to affect changes in their bodies
that are directly related to levels of stress, anxiety, pain and
concentration. This information can from many physiological systems
including muscle tension (electromyogram),
perspiration levels(electrodermal response), skin temperature,
heart rate, blood pressure, brain wave
activity(electroencepholgraphic feedback) and more. |
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The biofeedback instruments are but a guide for the patients. The focus
of the training is on the self-relaxation techniques that the patient
learns. As the patient learns these powerful yet easy to learn
techniques, they are able to see the immediate affect they have on their
stress levels. The goal is to learn to recognize the body's early signs
of stress and reduce them. The patient learns to restore control over
stress, anxiety and tension and to activate body's healing mechanisms. |
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Biofeedback protocols vary in the the types of instrumentation used, the
number of sessions required and the kind of follow-up needed to maintain
established benefits. Each training session usually lasts less than an
hour. It is done in an office setting on an individual basis. Depending
on the condition. it requires about 10 sessions, usually once a week, and
less frequently as training progresses. Audio tapes can be recorded, so
patients can practice at home. Neurofeedback training for ADD usually
entails 20 to 40 twice-weeklv 45 minute sessions during which the
patient, wired to in EEG machine, plays a video game that he or she must
control by modulating brain waves. |
Autoimmune disorders-(rheumatoid arthritis, MS, SLE). Specialized pain conditions-(fibromyalgia, RSD, etc.). Cancer
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ADD/ADHD Anxiety Disorders and phobias Behavioral and adjustment disorders Obsessive-compulsive disorders Anger management General stress management
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In a four year follow-up study of 192 men and woman aged 35 - 64 who were
identified as having two or more risk factors (including: blood pressure >
140/90 mm. Hg. plasma cholesterol concentration > 6.3 mmol/1 243.6
mg/100ml, and a current smoking habit of > 10 cigarettes a day),
significant observations were noted with a treatment group that received
relaxation training (such as those commonly employed with biofeedback)
when compared to a control group.
The group receiving relaxation training showed clear reductions of both
systolic and diastolic blood pressure and these differences appeared to be
maintained after four years. Plasma cholesterol concentrations and the
number of cigarettes smoked were lower in the treatment group at eight
months but not at the four year follow-up. In addition, at four years,
more subjects in the control group reported having angina, hypertension
ischemic heart disease and had fatal myocardial infractions than the
treatment group. (8)
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Many clinical trials show the benefits of biofeedback training with both
tension and migraine headaches. A 1990 meta-analysis of clinical trial
data from over 2,000 patients with migraine headaches found that overall,
biofeedback was equally efficacious to Pronolol in reducing the frequency
of migraines. (1)
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In a study of 16 patients diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (5.), a
significant reduction in IBS symptoms A-as shown. When a treatment group
of 8 patients (who received instruction and home practice of progressive
relaxation training) was compared to control group of 8 patients who
were merely monitored on GI symptoms, the results showed that there was a
significant improvement in symptom reduction (50% improvement p = .05)
in those patients having been instructed in relaxation training.
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For primary Raynaud's disease, controlled investigations reports 66 to 92
percent reduction in symptoms frequency (10).
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A recent study reported that post prostatectomy patients who received
biofeedback with pelvic muscle training achieved continence sooner than
those in a control group (2). In another study of 135 older woman
suffering with urinary incontinence, a significant difference in control
of urinary loss was seen between woman who were instructed with pelvic
floor exercises and those who combined these exercises with biofeedback.
(3).
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In recent times, the problems of attention deficit disorders have become
more widely recognized. These problems not only affect impairment in
concentration, but also affect behavior (impulsively), and self-esteem.
If left untreated, these problems follow into adulthood. Until recently,
the treatment has been by the use of powerful stimulant medications such
as Ritalin. Although these medications can be very effective, there are
problems associated with them. These drugs are short acting, wear off
quickly and have no curative effects. They also can cause insomnia, loss
of appetite, and agitation..
A new, exciting and effective alternative treatment for ADD/ADHD has been
discovered in the past 15 years with the use of electroencepholographic
biofeedback. Studies have shown that there are specific brain waves that
are associated with various mental states. In the daydreaming state, slow
moving brain waves known as Theta waves dominate. In the more focused or
alert state these Theta levels drop, while faster moving Beta waves
increase. EEG biofeedback trains the child (or adult), to learn to
concentrate better by learning to control these brain wave activities .
In doing so, impulsive behaviors decrease and school performance and
self-esteem increase. The treatment is completely noninvasive and with
computer driven games is fun and stimulating for children.
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In a number of case studies conducted in Israel of patients suffering from
various types of phobic disorders (including Agoraphobia), biofeedback
combined with hypnotherapy was shown to clearly decrease phobic reactions
in In-Vitro Performance (7).
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Referrences:
1. Holrovd K. Penzien D, PhariiiacoloLical versus non-pharmacological
prophylactics of recurrent migraine headaches, a meta analytic review of
clinical trails Pain 1990 42 1-13
2. Mathewson-Chapiiian N, Pelvic
muscle exercise/biofeedback for urinary incontinence after prostatectomy:
an education program. J Catic-er Edu(,atioti 1997; 12 (4) 218-223
3. Burns P.
Pranikoff K. Nochjski T, Hadley E. Levy K, Orv M Comparison of
effectiveness of biofeedback and pelvic muscle exercise treatment of
stress incontinence in older coniniunity-dwelling wofl)en, J
GeroriioloiZN- 1993: 48 (4) 167-173.
4 . McGradv A. G@.@tenmaier L. Effect of biofeedback assisted relaxation
training on blood glucose levels in a ty I insulin dependent diabetic, a
case report, J Belitit@ Tlier & Exp. Pvi,(-hiat. 1990;21 (1) 69-75
5. Blanchard E, Greene B, Scharff L. Schwartz-McMonis S. Relaxation
Training as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. 1993 17 125-132
6. Lubar J. Swartwood M, Swartwood J. O'Donnell P Evaluation of
effectiveness of EEG neurot'eedback training for ADHD in clinical setting
changes in T.O.V.A. scores, behavioral ratin-s, and WISC-R performance.
Biofeedback and Self Reg. 1995@ 20: 83-89.
7. Somer E, Biofeedback-Aided hypnotherapy for intractable phobia anxietv
Amer J Cliti Hxpii 1995 @ 37 (3) 54-64
8. Patel C, Maniiot M, Terrv f). Carruthers M. Hunt B, Patel M.
Trial of relaxation in reducinng coronary risk: four vear follow up
Britisling 1985@ 290 1103-1106
9. Nicassio P. BoN,Ian M. McCabL T Progressive relaxation. EMG
biofecdback and hioteedback placebo in the treatment of sleep-onse(
Insomnia. Briii.@li J oj Aft,dif@(il P.@ 1992: 55, 159-166
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