Biofeedback

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Biofeedback is a technique for gaining a degree of conscious control over involuntary bodily functions in the medical realm, and mechanical devices in the consumer realm. You use various devices that provide awareness and can measure at least fifteen physiological systems, and learn medically through clinical practice or self learning to alter the measurements. On the consumer, side the feedback loop of technology is also measured physiologically and changed according to ie. motion in the biofeedback of motion detectors.

You can use these techniques medically on brain function, muscle tone (Maxalding), skin conductance, cardiac measurements, respiratory function, pain perception and a wide variety of psychological and physiological systems.

It's been found effective in many areas as outlined by Caroline Yucca for the main U.S Psychophysiology Association, the AAPB.org, in a 2008 Efficacy paper found there. It is extremely useful in the treatment of headaches and migraines.[1][2] It's a first line treatment according to the AAP for Attention and Focus issues as of 2012, and is being used in many other areas successfully, such as Autism, Urinary Incontinence, and Addiction Issues. The feedback loop used on the medical side of biofeedback is also growing enormously on the consumer side, and was roundly lauded in the 2012 Consumer Electronic Show reviews. Not unlike the technological development of the mirror when mass produced, arguably a form of consumer visual biofeedback, it is now clear that this technology will soon be altering our lives in many significant ways as it's usefulness in the medical and consumer world becomes more apparent almost daily, in healthcare apps on smartphones, and the consumer product explosion.

The biofeedback community is represented by the Biofeedback Society of America (BCIA.org) and the Association of Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Inc. (AAPB.org).

[edit] Woo/Not Woo

Biofeedback involves actual observable phenomena. Unfortunately, as with many developing technology, spiritual quacks have invented "quantum" biofeedback.

[edit] See also

[edit] Footnotes

  1. Nestoriuc Y, Martin A (March 2007). "Efficacy of biofeedback for migraine: a meta-analysis". Pain 128 (1-2): 111–27. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2006.09.007. PMID 17084028.
  2. Nestoriuc Y, Martin A, Rief W, Andrasik F (September 2008). "Biofeedback treatment for headache disorders: a comprehensive efficacy review". Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 33 (3): 125–40.


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