... the basis that an individual is able to learn voluntary influence on the body ?s physiological processes by making changes in cognition.:A J MichaelBiofeedback has numerous scientific data to support its application as an adjunct therapy for a number of psychological and physiological disorders. The 6 common types are Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback, Skin Conductance Level (SCL) biofeedback, thermal biofeedback, heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback and brainwave/neurofeedback or Electroencephalography (EEG) biofeedback. All of these work on the basis that an individual is able to learn voluntary influence on the body ?s physiological processes by making changes in cognition. Biofeedback uses electronic instrumentation for real time data recording with immediate screen display.

The efficacy of psychological interventions like relaxation, biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy was found to bring out positive results for patients suffering with rheumatoid arthritis although the treatment would fare better for patients who had the illness for a short period of time (Astin et al 2002).

Biofeedback treatment is also specific with not one type having the same results for different disorders. 2 groups of asthma patients, the first receiving the recommended HRV biofeedback therapy while the other received EEG biofeedback as placebo (Lehrer et al 2004) had significant differences with the HRV group being prescribed less medication. The same study also further indicated that biofeedback can be combined with other techniques such as abdominal breathing. Other studies have seen biofeedback combined with autogenic training, guided imagery and Jacobson ?s technique.

Biofeedback could also be easily integrated into primary care settings for its cost effectiveness. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome which underwent biofeedback intervention utilized less of the medical services (Ryan & Gervirtz 2004).

It also does not take long for the therapy to obtain positive results and the effects are cumulative with better results with prolonged and refined uses. R-wave-to-pulse interval biofeedback was effective in normalizing blood pressure for both high blood pressure and low blood pressure participants within 2 weeks (Rau et al 2003). Another study (Nakao et al 2003) using individuals with essential hypertension, also found biofeedback effective for lowering blood pressure, but with better results when combined with other relaxation therapies.

Nevertheless, initial positive success is important for better overall final results. This can be achieved if motivation and encouragement is provided for those on biofeedback therapy as learning self control skills and practicing them conscientiously is the key for a successful programme. This was the key emphasis among those with Raynaud ?s Disease that used temperature biofeedback training (Middaugh et al 2001).

Biofeedback is also used for numerous psychological disorders such as anxiety, insomnia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post traumatic disorders and addictive disorders. It is as effective for relaxation therapy like other relaxation training such as hypnosis, progressive muscle relaxation or transcendental meditation. For chronic insomnia it is a non drug alternative with 70-80% benefits from non pharmacological and the effects are sustained for six months after completion of therapy (Morin et al 1999).

Biofeedback therapy although safe with no known side effects and non invasive should always be conducted either by a clinical psychologist or a trained biofeedback therapist preferably with supervision of either a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Improvement in technology and booming interest in alternative therapies could witness further application of biofeedback as treatment options.

References

Astin JA, Beckner W, Soeken K, Hochberg MC, Berman B 2002. Psychological interventions for rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arthritis Rheum., 47(3):291-302

Lehrer PM, Vaschillo E, Vaschillo B, Lu SE, Scardella A, Siddique M, Habib RH. 2004. Biofeedback treatment for asthma. Chest., 126(2):352-61

Ryan M, Gevirtz R. 2004. Biofeedback-based psychophysiological treatment in a primary care setting: an initial feasibility study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback., 29(2):79-93.

Rau H, Buhrer M, Weitkunat R. 2003. Biofeedback of R-wave-to-pulse interval normalizes blood pressure. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 28(1):37-46

Nakao M, Yano E, Nomura S, Kuboki T. 2003. Blood pressure-lowering effects of biofeedback treatment in hypertension: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Hypertens Res., 26(1):37-46

Middaugh SJ, Haythornthwaite JA, Thompson B, Hill R, Brown KM, Freedman RR, Attanasio V, Jacob RG, Scheier M, Smith EA. 2001. The Raynaud's Treatment Study: biofeedback protocols and acquisition of temperature biofeedback skills. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback., 26(4):251-78.

Morin CM, Hauri PJ, Espie CA, Spielman AJ, Buysse DJ, Bootzin RR. 1999. Nonpharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia. An American Academy of Sleep Medicine review. Sleep., 22(8):1134-56.