biofeedback

Created by

millie

Cards (12)

biofeedback is a technique that uses sensors to measure physiological responses and then provides feedback to the person.
biofeedback uses machines which provide precise information about functions such as heart rate, blood pressure etc.
people are encouraged to try various strategies to reduce their heart rate such as mediation etc
the aim is to find a strategy to reduce the bodily response that is caused by stress and then try to transfer the strategy to the real world
3 main phases to biofeedback training
awareness and physiological feedback
relaxation training and control
transfer
awareness and physiological feedback
client is connected to a machine that converts physiological activity into signals that can be seen or heard e.g heart rate
a therapist is to explain what is happening at every stage to ensure that the feedback is meaningful to the client
relaxation training and control
client learns how to adjust their breathing to make the signals move in the desired direction
deep breathing exercises to slow heart rate - visualisation to help imagine relaxing and calming scenes - linked to positive reinforcement
transfer
the client needs to transfer the skills learnt in therapy into everyday life - client can download an app on their phone to help manage and track their heart rate/sleeping/pulse rate etc
biofeedback can be used for
chronic pain
headaches
anxiety
high blood pressure
eval + can have practical applications and be effective for some people such as children who might enjoy the tech side of it more
eval + teaches people to recognise their own stress symptoms and after time they will be able to recognise when they are feeling stressed without the machine
eval -- can be expensive
eval -- needs specialist equipment which is costly and can also take time as might be a waiting list to get one of the machines or an appointment
eval -- needs regular practice for it to have any practical benefits which some people might not have the time for