ABSTRACT
Biofeedback describes technology-assisted approaches to mind–body medicine that provides real-time interactive electronic physiological monitoring. The strengths of biofeedback include the ability to demonstrate the mind–body connection in a concrete manner for those who may be skeptical and the near-immediate positive reinforcement the individual receives when reaching their physiologic goal. Commonly used forms of biofeedback include: heart rate variability, beat-to-beat variability, electromyography, measures muscle tension, thermal biofeedback, skin temperature vasodilation, neurofeedback or electroencephalography, electrodermal activity and pneumography. Biofeedback has been shown to be effective in adult headache and is used in two main approaches: biofeedback-assisted relaxation and more specific approaches. Electrodermal biofeedback is also being explored as a tool in the anticipation and treatment of grand mal seizures, although specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Neurofeedback has also been studied in stroke rehabilitation, both with voluntary movement and with robotic or exoskeletal training.
