Biofeedback refers to several techniques based on the measurement of organic functions, the goal being to learn how to control them in order to improve one’s health. In this sheet, you will discover this method in more detail, its principles, its history, its many benefits, how a session takes place, how to practice biofeedback and finally, what are the contraindications.

Biofeedback (sometimes called biofeedback or biofeedback) is an application of psychophysiology, a discipline that studies the links between brain activity and physiological functions. In other words, it is the science of “body-mind” interaction.

On the one hand, psychophysiologists are interested in the way in which emotions and thoughts affect the organism. On the other hand, they are studying how observation and voluntary modulation of body functions (eg heart rate) can influence other functions (eg blood pressure) and various behaviors and attitudes.

The objective is simple and concrete: to give the patient back control over his own body, including certain so-called involuntary functions, so as to prevent or treat a series of health problems.

The main principles

Biofeedback is not strictly speaking therapy. Rather, it is a specialized intervention technique. It differs from other self-regulation methods by the use of devices (electronic or computer) as learning (or rehabilitation) tools. These devices capture and amplify the information transmitted by the body (body temperature, heart rate, muscle activity, brain waves, etc.) and translate them into auditory or visual signals. For example, we call neurofeedback the biofeedback technique that makes brain waves “visible”. And one calls biofeedback by electromyography (EMG) that which makes it possible to see in graphic form the electric currents which accompany the muscular activity. Witness of these signals, the patient thus manages to decode the messages of his body. With the help of the therapist, he can then learn to modulate his own physiological reactions. One day or another, he will manage to repeat the experience on his own, outside the office.

Numerous scientific studies attest to the benefits of this therapy. Biofeedback is therefore particularly effective for:

Relieve headaches (migraines and tension headaches)

The vast majority of published studies conclude that biofeedback is effective in relieving these types of conditions. Whether accompanied by relaxation, combined with behavioral treatment or alone, the results of numerous studies indicate greater efficacy than a control group, or equivalent to medication. The long-term results are equally satisfactory, with some studies sometimes going so far as to show that improvements are maintained after 5 years for 91% of patients with migraines. The mainly used biofeedback techniques are those which take into account muscle tension (head, neck, shoulders), electrodermal activity (response of the sweat glands) or peripheral temperature.

Treat urinary incontinence in women

According to several studies, exercises aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor using biofeedback may help reduce periods of stress incontinence (involuntary loss of urine during exercise, for example when exercising or coughing ). As for urge incontinence (involuntary loss of urine as soon as you feel the need to evacuate), exercises aimed at increasing the storage capacity of the bladder using biofeedback also lead to reductions. . According to another synthesis, women who have little or no awareness of the correct way to contract their pelvic muscles would benefit a lot from this technique (see our urinary incontinence sheet).

Treat symptoms related to constipation in children

A review of the scientific literature published in 2004 concluded that biofeedback can be effective in many situations of constipation, especially in children. For example, a study of 43 children demonstrated the superiority of conventional medical care combined with biofeedback. After 7 months, resolution of symptoms affected 55% of the children in the experimental group, compared to 5% for the control group; and after 12 months, 50% and 16% respectively. Regarding the normalization of defecation movements, the rate reached 77% against 13% respectively.

Treat chronic constipation in adults

In 2009, a meta-analysis concluded that biofeedback in the treatment of constipation was superior to the use of other treatments, such as taking a laxative, a placebo or an injection of botox.

Reduce symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Numerous studies show significant improvements in primary ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity) and in standardized intelligence tests. The comparisons made with an effective medication such as Ritalin (methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine) underline the equivalence and sometimes even the superiority of EEG biofeedback over this conventional treatment. In addition, the authors suggest that a combination of biofeedback with other complementary therapies could improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

Treat fecal incontinence

Biofeedback appears to be safe, relatively affordable, and effective in treating this kind of problem. A review of the scientific literature reveals that it is a technique of choice used for more than 20 years in the medical world. In terms of physical parameters, the most frequently reported benefits are a rectal sensation of filling as well as an improvement in the strength and coordination of the sphincters. Most of the published articles conclude with complete continence or a 75% to 90% decrease in the frequency of periods of incontinence. 

In addition, other studies have revealed that biodfeedback could be useful in reducing insomnia, reducing symptoms related to fribromyalgia, treating urinary dysfunction in children, helping control asthma attacks, relieving pain, reduce epileptic attacks, treat erectile dysfunction, reduce pain and discomfort due to prolonged work at the computer, treat cardiac arrhythmia or even relieve pain in patients with advanced cancer.

Biofeedback is a technique that is generally part of a more comprehensive treatment, such as behavioral therapy or physiotherapeutic rehabilitation. It is often used in combination with other techniques such as relaxation and adapted exercises.

The specialist

Only professionals in health, psychology and certain social sciences (guidance, for example) holding a university degree or an equivalent can access this specialization.

Course of a session

Whatever the type of treatment, a biofeedback session has a few constants: it takes place in a calm and restful place; sometimes soft music is played; the patient is seated comfortably, or lying down, and focuses on the auditory or visual signals transmitted by the monitor from sensors placed at strategic locations on their body (again, depending on the region of the body to be treated and the type of ‘device). The practitioner acts as a guide. It helps the patient to become aware of his physiological responses (nervous tension, body temperature, heart rate, breathing, muscle resistance, etc.) according to the data communicated to him by the machine. He provides information and encouragement and helps the patient to apply their new skills on a daily basis. In his normal life, the patient should therefore be able to act on his own organism, that is to say to modify his reactions or his behaviors without the help of the devices. At the end of a biofeedback session, you normally feel more in control of your body. Note that biofeedback is aimed at motivated and persevering patients. Indeed, once the diagnosis is established, it is not uncommon for 10 to 40 sessions of 1 hour to be counted to ensure satisfactory results, and especially lasting results.

Become a practitioner in Biofeedback

In the United States, the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA), founded in 1981, oversees the practice of biofeedback. The organization has established a set of standards that accredited professionals should adhere to, and offers several biofeedback training courses across the United States.

In Quebec, no school offers training accredited by the BCIA. In French-speaking Europe, the technique is also marginal, even if there is a national group in France called the Association pour l’Enseignement du Biofeedback Therapeutique (see Sites of interest).

Contraindications of Biofeedback

Biofeedback is not recommended for individuals with a pacemaker, pregnant women and individuals with epilepsy.

The term biofeedback was coined in 1969, but the first experiments behind the technique began 10 years earlier.

During experiments using electroencephalographs (a device that captures brain waves), researchers found that participants were able to generate alpha waves in their brains on their own, and therefore immerse themselves in a state at will. of deep relaxation. The principle would then be tested, then applied to other fields of human physiology, and technology followed. There are now several types of devices, each designed to measure one or another of the physiological responses associated with problems and diseases.

Today, biofeedback is no longer the preserve of alternative medicine practitioners and psychologists. Several health professionals, such as physiotherapists, guidance counselors and sports medicine specialists have incorporated this technique into their practice.