Biofeedback (physical)
● A method of stress management that turns physiological processes (e.g. increased heart rate) into signals which the person is
able to hear/see
● They can then learn to control their heart rate by applying techniques they have learnt e.g. relaxation and breathing exercises
There are three main phases to biofeedback training:
● Phase 1:Awareness and physiological feedback
● Phase 2: Relaxation training and control
● Phase 3: Transfer
Phase 1: Awareness and physiological feedback
● For physiological feedback a client is connected to a machine that converts physiological activities into signals that can be
heard/seen
● Other physiological activities can also be fed back to the client e.g. muscular tension can be measured using an
electromyogram (EMG). The electrical activity of the muscle is converted into a tone (varies in pitch depending how
tense/relaxed the muscles are) that can be heard through headphones
● Feedback is given by a trained therapist at every stage of the process
Phase 2: Relaxation training and control
● Client learns to take control by changing the signal (e.g. slow heart rate to lower the line on the screen or lower pitch of tone
heard through headphones)
● Biofeedback has started to use game-based interfaces to motivate clients e.g. lowering their heart rate will get them closer to
completing an on-screen puzzle
,Continued...
● Some physiological responses can be controlled through relaxation- this requires training because its a ‘deeper’ relaxation than
the everyday type most of us experience
● A therapist will help the client to tense a specific muscle group for a few seconds and then relax (this is repeated several times
before moving onto another muscle group until most of the body is covered)
● Training also includes deep breathing exercises to slow heart rate+visualisation to help a client imagine relaxing+calming
scenes
Role of operant conditioning
● Machine gives feedback that confirms confirms their responses are moving in the right direction (this is rewarding as well as
praise from the therapist) so it’s more likely to be repeated without any conscious behaviour on the clients part )this makes
further success more likely
Phase 3:transfer
● Trainings in a relaxing/stress free environment e.g. a therapy room
● Everyday life/outside world very different- crucial the client is able to transfer their skills to everyday life
● Portable biofeedback e.g. everyday mobile apps are available
● The client can use on to apply their relaxation skills in stressful situations as they arise
, Evaluation
Research shows this treatment is effective and is a longer Inconsistent outcomes, therefore its not suitable for
term technique than others such as drugs, therefore it is everyone as it requires a lot of motivation
useful
● A method of stress management that turns physiological processes (e.g. increased heart rate) into signals which the person is
able to hear/see
● They can then learn to control their heart rate by applying techniques they have learnt e.g. relaxation and breathing exercises
There are three main phases to biofeedback training:
● Phase 1:Awareness and physiological feedback
● Phase 2: Relaxation training and control
● Phase 3: Transfer
Phase 1: Awareness and physiological feedback
● For physiological feedback a client is connected to a machine that converts physiological activities into signals that can be
heard/seen
● Other physiological activities can also be fed back to the client e.g. muscular tension can be measured using an
electromyogram (EMG). The electrical activity of the muscle is converted into a tone (varies in pitch depending how
tense/relaxed the muscles are) that can be heard through headphones
● Feedback is given by a trained therapist at every stage of the process
Phase 2: Relaxation training and control
● Client learns to take control by changing the signal (e.g. slow heart rate to lower the line on the screen or lower pitch of tone
heard through headphones)
● Biofeedback has started to use game-based interfaces to motivate clients e.g. lowering their heart rate will get them closer to
completing an on-screen puzzle
,Continued...
● Some physiological responses can be controlled through relaxation- this requires training because its a ‘deeper’ relaxation than
the everyday type most of us experience
● A therapist will help the client to tense a specific muscle group for a few seconds and then relax (this is repeated several times
before moving onto another muscle group until most of the body is covered)
● Training also includes deep breathing exercises to slow heart rate+visualisation to help a client imagine relaxing+calming
scenes
Role of operant conditioning
● Machine gives feedback that confirms confirms their responses are moving in the right direction (this is rewarding as well as
praise from the therapist) so it’s more likely to be repeated without any conscious behaviour on the clients part )this makes
further success more likely
Phase 3:transfer
● Trainings in a relaxing/stress free environment e.g. a therapy room
● Everyday life/outside world very different- crucial the client is able to transfer their skills to everyday life
● Portable biofeedback e.g. everyday mobile apps are available
● The client can use on to apply their relaxation skills in stressful situations as they arise
, Evaluation
Research shows this treatment is effective and is a longer Inconsistent outcomes, therefore its not suitable for
term technique than others such as drugs, therefore it is everyone as it requires a lot of motivation
useful
