Biofeedback Dr Amina Muazzam 9182021 1 Introduction Biofeedback

Biofeedback Dr Amina Muazzam 9/18/2021 1

Introduction • Biofeedback has been around since 1960 s. • When you raise your hand to wave hello to a friend or lift your knee to take another step on the Stairmaster, you control these actions. Other body functions - like heart rate, skin temperature, and blood pressure are controlled involuntarily by your nervous system. • One technique can help you gain more control over these normally involuntary functions. It's called biofeedback, and therapy is used to help prevent or treat conditions, including migraine headaches, chronic pain, incontinence, and high blood pressure. • The idea behind biofeedback is that, by harnessing the power of your mind and becoming aware of what's going on inside your body, you can gain more control over your health. Dr Amina Muazzam 9/18/2021 2

Definition • Biofeedback is a mind body technique in which individuals learn how to modify their physiology for the purpose of improving physical , mental, emotional health. • It is a self regulation technique through which patients learn to voluntarily control what were once thought to be involuntary body processes. • It is built on the concept of mind over matter. • With proper techniques, you can change your health by being mindful of how your body responds to stressors and other stimuli. Dr Amina Muazzam 9/18/2021 3

Goals • The goal of biofeedback is to make subtle changes to the body that result in a desired effect. • To relaxe certain muscles , slowing heart rate or respiration or reducing feelings of pain. • It allows patients to see inside their bodies, with a trained practitioner serving as a guide directing them to use the feedback to regulate their physiology in a healthy direction. Dr Amina Muazzam 9/18/2021 4

Relaxation techniques Several relaxation techniques are used in biofeedback therapy. • • Deepbreathing Progressive muscle relaxation Guided imagery Mindfulness meditation Dr Amina Muazzam 9/18/2021 5

How it works • Biofeedback utilizes electronic sensors or electrodes attached to various parts of the body to detect changes in physical responses. • Signals then inform the individual of these changes by means of visual or auditory signals. • While the individual views or listens to feedback he or she begins to recognise thoughts feelings and mental images that influence his or her physical reactions • By monitoring this mind body connection, the individual can use the same thoughts, feelings and mental images as cues or reminders to become more relaxed or to change heart beat, brain wave patterns, body temperature and other body functions. • The individual uses trial and error to change the signals change in the desired 9/18/2021 Dr Amina Muazzam direction. 6

Types of biofeedback • Biofeedback is a method of measuring physiological functions you are not normally aware of (such as skin temperature, muscle tension, or brain waves) and then training yourself to control these functions. Depending on what particular physiological function you are working with, different techniques are used. The most common biofeedback techniques are: • • • Respiratory biofeedback Heart rate variability biofeedback Galvanic skin response Electroencephalography biofeedback Electromyography feedback Dr Amina Muazzam 9/18/2021 7

How is biofeedback used Biofeedback has been used for a range of applications, including: • Treating tension headaches, migraines, and other pain • • • Controlling high and low blood pressure Alleviating digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome Helping patients control physical reactions to stress or anxiety Aiding in relaxation and stress management EEG feedback has also been shown to be beneficial in managing symptoms of certain brain injuries and attention deficit disorder, and there is some evidence suggesting it might be efficacious in depression and post-traumatic stress disorder Dr Amina Muazzam 9/18/2021 8