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Biofeedback is a technique that uses equipment and software to help individuals control bodily reactions to stress. It can help with health problems caused by stress and comes with specific monitoring equipment. During a session, sensors are placed on the skin and connected to a computer with software that measures progress and offers feedback. The software can vary in design but usually includes charting options, multiple windows, and archiving databases. It is recommended to undergo professional therapy before purchasing home software.
Biofeedback is a body control technique based on the theory that body stress can be eliminated through the practice of self-control exercises. With the use of biofeedback equipment and therapist supervision, one can learn to control stress reactions in the body, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension. Biofeedback software is an important component of biofeedback therapy as it is designed to monitor the body’s responses, compile data and progress reports, as well as link up with essential biofeedback equipment.
The underlying basis of biofeedback therapy is that bodily reactions to environmental stress create a harmful reaction in the body. Most biofeedback therapists believe that some health problems, such as migraines, panic attacks, nervous disorders, and chronic pain, can be caused by the buildup of excess stress responses in the body. These therapists use biofeedback software and equipment to help patients monitor progress and learn new techniques for lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and other stress reactions.
Biofeedback software is designed to work with specific monitoring equipment. Some software may be provided with the purchase of equipment, but if the software is purchased separately, it is best to check the compatibility of the equipment before purchasing. There are home and professional kits available that include most of the components needed to conduct a biofeedback session.
During a biofeedback session, a patient wears sensor devices placed on the skin. The sensors are connected to monitoring equipment, connected to a computer. Biofeedback software installed on the computer can show patients their current heart rate, body temperature, and muscle tension level. The software measures the progress of a session by monitoring changes in the body’s response as relaxation techniques are employed.
Biofeedback software can vary by design, but most programs have charting options, multiple windows to view more than one body response at a time, and archiving databases to track and review progress. Some software can also present audio feedback with pitch and frequency modes.
Some software may contain features that allow signals to be recorded and analyzed for effectiveness at later times. Biofeedback cues can be introduced to patients and saved in a database for later review. This feature would allow therapists to identify which techniques produced the greatest response in patients.
Before purchasing biofeedback software for home use, it is ideal to have undergone several professional therapy sessions. A biofeedback therapist can teach stress management techniques and offer feedback and adjustments as needed. A home system can be useful for continuing to monitor progress after therapy or between sessions.
