BIOFEEDBACK

Stress Management Through

Technology Based Training

LEI 3723L
Mindfulness & Stress Management Facilitation
Techniques
 Technology Based Stress
Management
Technology as a PHYSIOLOGICAL training
resource to train the nervous system and
enhance healing and program outcomes
(rather than technology being the activity
itself)

BIOFEEDBACK
TRAINING
 Biofeedback Training
Biofeedback training is a technique that
can be used to control functions of the
body such as: heart rate, brain activity,
and sweat response

Trainee is connected to a sensor that

receives information (FEEDBACK) about the
body (BIO)
 Types of Biofeedback
Electromyogram (EMG) = measures
muscle activity and tension
Electroencephalography (EEG) =
Neurofeedback that measures brain waves
Thermal Feedback = Measures Skin
Temperature
Electrodermal Activity (EDA) =
Measures sweat
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) =
Measure heart rate
 Heart Rate Variability
HRV is different than Heart Rate.

The heart does not beat at a

steady rate
Heart Heart
speed slows
s up down

HRV is a measure of the varying rates of

acceleration vs. deceleration of heart rate
over time
 HRV: Why Should We
Care? HRV, the
1. GREATER an individuals
HEALTHIER they are (Khazan, 2013)
 HRV: Why Should We
Care?
2. HRV also indicates the BALANCE OF
THE NERVOUS SYSTEM and can
reflect how physiologically stressed out
someone is.

If we can teach someone to better manage

their response to stress, it can help
INCREASE their HRV, and make them
HEALTHIER
 Use of Biofeedback in RT
Programs
1. The training itself can help facilitate
healing, stress management, overall
performance and positive outcomes

2. SHOWS us (and program participants)

positive changes that occur as a RESULT
of the training and/or programs they
participate in

3. Can provide data to PROVE efficacy of

programs (i.e. Research possibilities)
 PROGRAM EXAMPLE:

Mission: Improve the quality of life in

veterans and their family members
Programs: Innovative combination of
recreational therapy and biofeedback
training with a positive psychology
 RECREATIONAL THERAPY

Outdoor based activities & fitness

opportunities that help improve physical and
mental health and well-being of program
participants (paddling, hiking, climbing,
camping, biking)
 BIOFEEDBACK
Heart rate variability training used to help
individuals learn to control emotions and
physical reactions to stress and anxiety: Done
during the recreational outing
 Program Approach
All programs include a recreation
element paired with biofeedback
training
Day long recreational excursions with
introduction to biofeedback training
(Sessions before & after activity)
Multi-day programs with daily biofeedback
training and introduction to positivity
exercises. (2 Biofeedback sessions daily)
Individualized training programs
 AUTONOMIC NERVOUS
SYSTEM
PARA-
SYMPATHETI
SYMPATHETI
C
C

Stress Response Relaxation

(Fight or Flight) Response
(Rest or Digest)
Our ANS During Stress
HEALTHY RESPONSE

Sympatheti Para-
c Sympathetic
Our ANS After Stress
HEALTHY RESPONSE

Sympatheti Para-
c Sympathetic
Stress Disorders
FIRING ALL THE TIME

Sympatheti Para-
c Sympathetic
 Autonomic Training
Need to re-train the nervous system
to better respond to stress (this is the
training aspect of biofeedback
training)

BREATHING

(Breathing at a rate of 6 bpm)

 HRV Biofeedback Training
As simple as completing a 5-15 minute
session of breathing while connected to
a sensor (usually clipped to ear or
finger)

Sophisticated biofeedback programs will

provide a visual display of the nervous
system
Biofeedback Training
Report
Rec Program Outcomes:
Visual
Befor After
e
 Biofeedback Resources
Biofeedback Apps:
PsychCentral Top 10 Apps
BioZen

Mindfulness Apps:
Free Phone Apps

Breathing Website:
Paced Breathing
 Biofeedback Resources
Biofeedback Machines:
Stress Eraser
Life Matters
Heartmath Inner Balance
Tools for Wellness
BioCom