Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately "feed back" information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument.
Biofeedback and Applied Psychophysiology
Specialized Knowledge
A clinician will have specialized knowledge in several key domains:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Principles related to psychophysiology, including changes in physiology through self-regulation and learning theories
- Biopsychosocial model of health and illness
- Terminology of biofeedback and psychophysiological recording
- Biofeedback instrumentation, including signal processing, data computation and audio-visual representation
- Evidence of effectiveness of biofeedback for specific medical and psychological conditions
- Evidence of effectiveness of biofeedback for performance enhancement
- Ethical and professional behavior utilizing biofeedback procedures
Skills and Procedures Utilized
A clinician will have the following essential skills and procedures:
- Interpersonal skills for clinical care
- Clinical skills specific to client/patient interfacing with biofeedback (sensor application, patient education, clinically useful feedback/representation of psychophysiological data)
- Technical skill in the use of biofeedback hardware and software
- Data interpretation
- Treatment planning and ongoing assessment
- Application of principles related to psychophysiology, skill development and clinical intervention
- Ethical and professional behavior utilizing biofeedback procedures
Date created: 2019