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FROM THE EDITOR

Applications of Biofeedback and Self-Regulation in Medical Settings

PhD,

PhD, LPC, and

LCSW

The cover of this issue shows Ryan, a pediatric neuroscience patient at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, learning biofeedback with his therapist Nancy Christie, PhD, to alleviate his headache symptoms.

This special issue is dedicated to “Applications of Biofeedback and Self-Regulation in Medical Settings.” Since the Spring issue of 1999, Biofeedback has repeatedly dedicated special issues to promoting an integration of biofeedback, psychophysiological therapies, self-regulation training, and hypnosis into primary care, pediatrics, and health care in general. Terence D. Davies, Chairman of Family Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical Center, served as Guest Editor for that Spring

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PROFESSIONAL ISSUES

Ethical Behavior in Medical Settings

PhD

DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-37.4.119

Abstract

Medical schools have recognized and endorsed integrative health care. As such, integrated care is becoming more common. Biofeedback practitioners already trained to work in medical settings and those willing to be so trained have a real opportunity to expand their base of services because self-regulation is an important part of integrated care and lifestyle change. Working in medical settings requires a broad base of knowledge and skill, including an understanding of both the formal and informal rules that govern activities in such settings. Having a mentor or supervisor who already possesses the requisite skills can be most useful in helping the practitioner acquire the needed knowledge and skills and to make a shift from focusing on pathology to one of promoting good physical and mental health. Issues of competence, informed consent, and confidentiality must also be addressed and often in ways not common in other settings.

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Biofeedback Certification Institute of America Goes Global

PhD, BCIAC and

DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-37.4.123

Abstract

As biofeedback and neurofeedback achieve greater worldwide recognition, there is increased demand for international education and training standards. This article discusses the promise of international biofeedback and neurofeedback, challenges to the growth of international certification, and the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America initiatives to eliminate the obstacles to both U.S. and international certification.

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SPECIAL ISSUE

Integrating Biofeedback Into a Pediatric Neuroscience Department

PhD, LPC

DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-37.4.126

Abstract

Biofeedback for pediatric headache has been well established over the past 25 years. Biofeedback has traditionally been practiced and applied in hospitals, pain clinics, chemical dependency facilities, universities, and private practices. The purpose of this article is to share the author's experience working in a children's medical center in the neuroscience division and to encourage readers to pursue work in untapped, high-potential settings that could greatly benefit from this vital service. This article will detail how biofeedback has been used and integrated into a pediatric neurology clinic.

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Psychophysiology in an Adult Hospital

LCSW and

LMFT

DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-37.4.129

Abstract

Baylor All Saints Medical Center has thoughtfully integrated psychophysiological services into its offerings for pain and psychiatric patients. Two case studies are presented that explore interdisciplinary care for chronic pain and hypnosis for irritable bowel syndrome. Self-regulation services for psychiatric patients are summarized. Possible future directions are identified.

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Return to Baseline: Psychophysiological Treatment of Postconcussive Symptoms in Combat-Injured Soldiers With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Comorbid Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

ACSW

DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-37.4.132

Abstract

The experience of providing self-regulating therapy to combat-injured infantry soldiers at Madigan Army Medical Center is rich in lessons and potential benefits. “Wounded Warriors” from Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) deployments with prolonged somatic symptoms of chronic traumatic headache, disordered sleep, cognitive and affective deficits, and autonomic hyperarousal are assessed in the Neurology Service. The Psychophysiology Clinic is an embedded biobehavioral treatment program within the Neurology Service and provides biofeedback-assisted therapies.

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The Biofeedback Program at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

RN, MA, BCIA-C

DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-37.4.137

Abstract

The following article provides a description of the history and development of the biofeedback-assisted relaxation training (BART) program at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. Biofeedback is an integral component of the multidisciplinary Abdominal Pain and Integrative Pain Management programs. A description of currently employed biofeedback-assisted relaxation training protocols, including alternative training tools (e.g., novel biofeedback games) intended to improve practice compliance is provided. Finally, biofeedback implementation strategies and barriers are considered also.

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FEATURE ARTICLES

A Single-Participants Investigation of the Effects of Various Biofeedback-Assisted Breathing Patterns on Heart Rate Variability: A Practitioner's Approach

PhD, BCIAC,

PhD, BCIAC, and

DO, MPH, FAAFP

DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-37.4.141

Abstract

The objective of this study was to define specific breathing patterns and examine the effects these patterns have on indicators of heart rate variability. Perceived accounts of ease and comfort in relation to the patterned breathing applications also were assessed. A breathing pattern is the within-cycle respiratory timing or the ratio between the inspiration and expiration of breath, including the pause time at the top of the inspiration and at the bottom of the expiration. The within-participants analysis (N = 14), including the subjective components, revealed significant differences and illuminated the strength of the effects the varied breathing patterns had on each participant.

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Chocolate: Finger Licking Good An Economic and Tasty Temperature Feedback Device

PhD,

PhD, and

CMT

DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-37.4.147

Abstract

Peripheral temperature can be monitored with various equipment ranging from digital or glass thermometers to mood rings. This article reports on an additional “yummy” temperature feedback approach, milk or dark chocolate, as an indicator of successful hand warming. The chocolate feedback was discovered initially by a trainee to reduce symptoms associated with syringomyelia. In addition, the article summarizes data demonstrating that hand warming is easily learned. Using a thermometer, 219 participants—students and physical therapists—rapidly warmed their hands an average of 10.1°F when guided with imagery. For the subset of 106 university students, their subjective stress levels decreased by 49% as their hands warmed. Regardless of the technique, hand warming provides a useful demonstration that voluntary self-control is possible.

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Applications of Biofeedback and Self-Regulation in Medical Settings

Ethical Behavior in Medical Settings

Abstract

Biofeedback Certification Institute of America Goes Global

Abstract

Integrating Biofeedback Into a Pediatric Neuroscience Department

Abstract

Psychophysiology in an Adult Hospital

Abstract

Return to Baseline: Psychophysiological Treatment of Postconcussive Symptoms in Combat-Injured Soldiers With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Comorbid Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

The Biofeedback Program at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

Abstract

A Single-Participants Investigation of the Effects of Various Biofeedback-Assisted Breathing Patterns on Heart Rate Variability: A Practitioner's Approach

Abstract

Chocolate: Finger Licking Good An Economic and Tasty Temperature Feedback Device

Abstract

ABSTRACTS: Abstracts of Papers Presented at the 54th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

ABSTRACTS: Abstracts of Posters Presented at the 54th Annual Scientific Meeting of AAPB

MEMORIAL: Eleanor Criswell-Hanna, 1938–2024

SPECIAL ISSUE: Lessons Learned: A Pilot Study on the Feasibility of Using Biofeedback Monitoring in a Remote Setting with Special Forces Veterans in Saipan

SPECIAL ISSUE: The ACT of Biofeedback—Training for Psychological Flexibility