Biofeedback
by
Daniel M. Burrello
As the twentieth century began, no one could have predicted the prevalence of mechanical and electronic devices upon which both traditional medicine and psychology have come to rely. Many futurists have discussed the forward flow of this immersion into the technological grid, and often the amalgamation of cybernetic devices into human flesh and consciousness as an inevitable draw toward an emerging world wide web of artificial and organic intelligence.
The idea that we exist entirely within our own consciousness and that the world we see outside is created within, is at the very heart of biofeedback. Where else but with biofeedback can one see instantaneous results of one�s conscious control over what was once seen as entirely outside of his or her realm of influence. This could not have been possible only a generation or two in the past. Using this concept, the conscious control of seemingly unconscious processes, scientists have even fitted electronic devices to human brains to allow an electronic cursor to be manipulated entirely by using the brain�s impulses (Wiechman, 1998). The remarkable thing about this research is how easily and willingly, (using trophic enhancers that encourage growth) the brain�s tissue grew into the electronic device. The patient then learned, through biofeedback, to �hear� the firing of those brain impulses and learned to control the sequences. When connected to the cursory control of a computer, the individual could then manipulate the computer in ever way that a person using the old fashion finger digits could.
So, obviously, the use of biofeedback for helping with common ailments is simply the beginning of a future either filled with wondrous psycho-electro-kinetic abilities, or if the idea is inevitably reversed; a future of the electronic control of higher human brain function. On the critical side, this process may create the perfect consumer and make manufactured consent trouble-free.
Biofeedback operates through the creation of an external feedback loop. We are all familiar with our internal feedback loops that tell us that our hands are in the water, that our eyes are blinking, that the fleshly instruments within the sphere of our conscious control have done what we want them to do, or that they are experiencing something. In order to continue a homeostatic continuum with our bodies, certain functions have adapted to unconscious control. And this has been a good survival tool. Imagine being able to stop one�s heart and simply die in a passing fit of anguish or depression (although there are cases where this has certainly been accomplished.). Our lungs fill; our hearts continue to beat, even in the deepest sleep. Our skin temperature is maintained outside the locus of our conscious control.
However, with biofeedback devices, when connected to instantaneous monitoring, these autonomic unconsciously controlled functions can be made to change with certain concentration.
The process of biofeedback treatment includes these three components:
1. A way to monitor the physiological response to be modified.
2. A way to convert the information about change into an auditory or visual signal.
3. Prompt feedback, in 0rder to mimic the accustomed feedback loops already functioning within the human system (Butcher, Carson, &. Mineka, 2000, p. 661).
Electromyographic feedback came about as a result of certain failures EEG biofeedback to help with stress reduction in the early1970's. At this point, researchers began to experiment with electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback.
Biofeedback from the CNS via the musculature was more immediate and understandable to the client than the use of EEG brain wave monitoring. This method has become more and more popular over the years.
Temperature biofeedback, first pioneered by Mittelmann and Wolff (1939), demonstrated a strong link between fingertip temperature and emotional security. Vasodilation was correlated with free action and the client�s emotional security.
Biofeedback has a proven record of treatment for various problems linked to the autonomic system. Clients have learned to modify heart rates (Weis & Engel, 1971). Pain control has also been a major area of biofeedback treatment (Wolf, Nacht, & Kelly, 1982), (Blanchard et al.,1983). For the most part, biofeedback has been utilized to reduce reactivity of and organ system innervated by the autonomic nervous system, often a physiological component of the anxiety response (Butcher, Carson & Mineka, 2000 p. 661). But, as we have seen, there is much land yet to be discovered here and future applications may well prove to be beyond even our present imaginations.
References
Blanchard, E.B., Andrasik, F., Neff, D.F., Saunders, N.L., Arena, J.G., Pallemeyer, T.P., Teders, S.J., & Jurish, S.G. (1983). Four process studies in behavioral treatment of chronic headaches. Behavioral Research and Therapy.21, 209-20.
Butcher, J., Carson, R.C., & Mineka, S. (2000), Abnormal psychology and modern life. Needham Heights NJ: Allyn & Bacon
Wiechman. L. (1998). U.S. doctor co-developed the break-through brain device:
Paralyzed man communicates through 'mouse' in his head. The Toronto Star, October 21, 1998 .
Weiss, T., & Engel, B.T. (1971). Operant conditioning of heart rate in patients with premature ventricular contractions. Psychosomatic Medicine, 33, 301-21.
Wolf, S.L., Nacht, M., Kelly, J.L. (1982). EMG Feedback training during dynamic movement for low back pain patients. Behavioral Therapy. 13. 395-406.