When breathing biofeedback is occurring, the bands are placed on the patient’s stomach and chest. The sensors present on the bands monitor for breathing rates and patterns. Using these patterns, the patient will be able to be more aware of their breathing rate. 

Michigan State University

Biofeedback operates by monitoring various physiological activities to provide feedback. Common bodily measures used in research and clinical applications include facial muscle movement, brain activity, and skin temperature.

Physiological Measures Used in Biofeedback

Mayo Clinic. “Biofeedback - Mayo Clinic.” Mayoclinic.org, 2019, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664.

Biofeedback Mayo Clinic

Most commonly, electromyography (EMG) biofeedback is given to assist the patient. The machine is used to detect and measure muscle tightening. Chronic pain patients can see their muscle tension levels on a computer screen and watch them decline as they implement relaxation strategies. The patient can find the most effective relaxation technique more quickly with instantaneous knowledge of muscle tension. There has been debate over the comparative efficacy of biofeedback compared with relaxation training.

Biofeedback and Muscle activity

Biofeedback and Breathing Rate

During this biofeedback, an electroencephalograph is used. Scalp pads are placed on the head around the brain and brain waves are monitored. Different brain waves are present during different mental states such as relaxed, wakefulness and more. With this type of biofeedback, the patient will be able to see changes in brain waves and make decisions on what their next steps will be. 

Biofeedback and Brainwaves

Thermal biofeedback is another form of biofeedback that is used to treat disorders thought to involve a psychological component. Pads are attached to the fingers and feet to measure the flow of blood to the skin. Temperature often changes based on different conditions, which will reveal information to the patient. Numerous studies have documented the efficacy of thermal biofeedback in the treat­ment of vascular headaches such as migraine and in Raynaud’s disease. 

Thermal Biofeedback

Based on the client's reported symptoms, identify one physiological process that could be monitored to provide helpful, real-time information, and explain why this feedback would be effective for managing their anxiety.

Biofeedback Application for Anxiety

A classical guitarist experiences debilitating performance anxiety, which manifests as cold fingers and a slight, uncontrollable tremor in their hands. They decide to try a technique where a device provides them with real-time information about a specific bodily function, allowing them to learn to control it. To most directly address the physical symptoms described, which physiological process should the device monitor?

Learn Before

Related