Biofeedback is a technique that involves the use of sensory signals to dictate involuntary actions. Involuntary functions include autonomic activities like heartbeat rate, digestion, swallowing, breathing, and reflexes. Sensory impulses mostly auditory and visual can be manipulated to achieve control over involuntary functions. It is a well-coordinated process involving the mind and other somatic functions. In essence, voluntary functions are explicitly manipulated to control some autonomic functions to achieve the desired health goal.
The main principle guiding biofeedback is that through optimization of mind power, increased awareness of internal body activities, controlling involuntary functions can be achieved, and overall well-being improved. Biofeedback enhances relaxation; therefore, it is adopted to manage several stress-related conditions (Ratini, 2018). A typical biofeedback therapy session involves attaching electrodes to a particular dermatome or myotome. The connections of the electrodes monitor and reflect the breathing rate, heart rate, muscle activity, and body temperature.
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In America, biofeedback was first conceptualized in 1969 (Peper & Shaffer, 2018). An electroencephalography (EEG) research specialist called Barbara Brown conceptualized this idea (Peper & Shaffer, 2018). Together with other medical specialists of the time, they formed the Biofeedback Research Society. The Biofeedback Research Society over subsequent years worked on improving biofeedback technology through pertinent research studies. Modern-day electrocardiography widely used in hospital high dependence units is as a result of advancements in biofeedback therapy.
A study was done on stress-related anxiety, where one group of fresh university students was subjected to biofeedback therapy while the control group did not receive the therapy (Chalo et al., 2017). The results were analysed, and the experimental group stated that they enjoyed their sessions because they were able to cope and overcome their anxiety (Chalo et al., 2017). As for the control group, their levels of anxiety remained significantly higher. Therefore it was concluded that biofeedback therapy had positive impacts and thus widely used in the management of related psychological conditions.
Developmental coordination disorder is an example of a condition that affects both voluntary and involuntary actions. This is because both somatic muscles and the autonomic nervous system are involved in coordination and movement of body parts. Effective management of the condition, therefore, depends on biofeedback. As such, Monastiridi et al. conducted a research study on physical activity intervention programs and quality of life in developmental coordination disorder (Monastiridi et al., 2020). Children and adolescents with the condition shy away from physical activity which results in secondary emotional disorders.
One of the main reasons why children affected by developmental coordination disorder do not participate fully in physical activities is the fact that their motor control ability is lower and attitudinal stereotyping from relatives, friends and teachers (Monastiridi et al., 2020). General motor function of such children can be affected because the brain records the memory of movement patterns and lack of practice means such patterns will not be replicated.
Participating in physical activities improves mental health status, especially in reducing stress-related issues (Monastiridi et al., 2020). When exercising, endorphins are produced within the brain, and they have a general soothing effect. Besides, regular exercises tend to improve sleep patterns which in turn rests the mind adequately from the usual routines (Ibrahim, 2016). In exercising, somatic muscles, which are controlled voluntarily, are involved in influencing outcomes of sleep, mood and anxiety which are involuntary. A shift in exercise patterns, therefore, affects the outcome of sleep, mood and anxiety; hence the principle of biofeedback applies in such a scenario.
References
Chaló, P., Pereira, A., Batista, P., & Sancho, L. (2017). Brief biofeedback intervention on anxious freshman university students. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 42(3), 163-168.
Monastiridi, S. G., Katartzi, E. S., Kontou, M. G., Kourtessis, T., & Vlachopoulos, S. P. (2020). POSITIVE RELATIONS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND EXERCISE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS WITH MOTOR COMPETENCE AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN DEVELOPMENTAL COORDINATION DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science.
Peper, E., & Shaffer, F. (2010). Biofeedback history: An alternative view. Biofeedback, 38(4), 142-147
