Biofeedback Volume 49: Issue 4

The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) has several components, and it encourages diversity of development of knowledge in an array of physiological and psychophysiological fields. The Biofeedback magazine is a focus of expression of the different components of the biofeedback science. This issue comprises different aspects of development of biofeedback in time.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the latest fashion of interest in the biofeedback world. Leah Lagos presents a report of the relationship between postconcussion syndrome and healing of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and HRV. The subject of ANS and disease is only in

Postconcussion syndrome is a devastating condition of the mind, body, and even personality. Mounting research demonstrates that heart rate variability biofeedback can help the concussed individual in three critical ways: (a) eliciting high amplitude oscillations in cardiovascular functions and thereby strengthening self-regulatory control mechanisms; (b) restoring autonomic balance; and (c) increasing the afferent impulse stream from the baroreceptors to restore balance between inhibitory and excitatory processes in the brain.

The relationship among the muscles of any joint such as the elbow joint reflects the range of motion energy expenditure of these muscles. It can be fairly stated that SEMG (surface electromyography) is a technology that enables the measurements of any muscle range of motion (ROM) and the synergism (agonism) and antagonism relationships among these muscles. The magnitude of the amplitude potentials of any motion of any muscle is relevant in the assessment of the total energy expenditure for any given motion in ergonomic terms and in clinical terms. The joints function best in terms of effectiveness and efficiency when any motion is performed with the least effort at the least fatigue potential. SEMG permits the measurement of the energy expenditure. Aside from the actual energy used, the relationships of any two muscles of the joint during the range of motion can be assessed in terms of correlation coefficients, thus enabling the clinician or ergonomist to evaluate the synergism or antagonism of the muscles in question for the ROM tested. Understanding the magnitude of the agonism and antagonism is highly relevant in ergonomics as well as in the process of rehabilitation of the muscles of any joint.

Biofeedback intervention draws from multiple attitudes toward healing: mind-body medicine, behavioral psychology, sport psychology, experimental psychology, contemplative practices, and so forth. The most prominent approach is behavioral psychology. Following this psychological orientation, we use biofeedback instrumentation as a conditioning methodology. On the other hand, drawing from experimental psychology, the same instrumentation is used to achieve awareness. Awareness does not necessarily precede change. This article aims first to outline the difference between conditioning and learning and then introduce a session format that promotes learning.

One Distinguishing Characteristic of AAPB from Many Other Specialized Fields Is That of Inclusion

A Case Report on Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback and Postconcussion Syndrome: Healing the Autonomic Nervous System

Agonism and Antagonism of the Muscles of the Elbow Joint: An SEMG Approach

Training in the Gap Between Conditioning and Learning

Reactivate Your Second Heart

In Memoriam: Joe Kamiya, 1926–2021

Three Perspectives on the Passing of Larry Klein

Biofeedback Family

REPORT: Report from FABBS Meeting

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: Establishing a University-Based Biofeedback Clinic for Practice, Education, and Research

SPECIAL ISSUE: The Impact of a Romantic Partner on Patient Experience of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback

SPECIAL ISSUE: Pain—There Is Hope

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