Biofeedback

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback – a training method for self-regulation of unconscious processes in one’s own body

Biofeedback makes unconscious body regulation processes measurable and conscious through feedback to the patient. For example, one can actively influence the pulse, skin conductance, breathing pattern, etc. (further areas of application).

The feedback can be conveyed to the patient through sounds or various visualizations in real time. The patient achieves an improvement of the regulation due to this feedback. The positive effect of this learning process, known as operant conditioning, has been confirmed many times by science and practice for decades.

Biofeedback sensors on a patient's hand
Patient during biofeedback session

Fields of application of Biofeedback

Biofeedback can help with a number of symptoms

Biofeedback

Biofeedback + Neurofeedback (combined)

Which physical values are measured?

The most frequently measured body values include among others

  • Breathing pattern (breathing rate, breathing amplitude)
  • Blood pressure
  • Heart rate (frequency, amplitude and variability)
  • Skin temperature
  • Skin resistance
  • Muscle activity & tension

If only the electrical brain activity is measured, this is called neurofeedback.

Sensors for pulse and skin conductance on the fingers
Patient during biofeedback session

How does a biofeedback session work?

Biofeedback treatment is usually carried out according to the following scheme – an example based on skin conductance values

The patient sits relaxed in a lounge chair in front of a TV screen. The skin conductance – and thus also indirectly the tension of the autonomic nervous system – is measured via a sensor on the patient’s finger. A hardware/software component analyses this value and displays it on the TV screen in the form of an easily understandable feedback for the patient. At the same time, for example, the muscle tension can be measured via electrodes.

The value is displayed as Yes / No feedback on the TV screen. This means that if certain parameters (threshold values set by the therapist) are exceeded or not reached, this state is displayed as positive (e.g. screen becomes bright & sounds audible) or negative (e.g. screen becomes dark & sounds quieter).

Breathing belt around a patient's waist
Breathing exercise – the belt measures the expansion and can be worn over clothing

This conscious, direct feedback helps patients get to know themselves better and, over the course of the therapy, learn to consciously control their tension and relaxation.

Biofeedback is a kind of sharpening of awareness for internal body processes and states. It can easily be combined with other therapy methods, such as neurofeedback, autogenic training, yoga, and much more.

The immediate feedback on the success of the technique used increases the motivation to continue and perfect what has already been started.

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