6 Types of Biofeedback Machines and Their Applications

Biofeedback therapy is a form of therapy that uses precision instruments to inform a patient of unconsciously controlled physiological processes, such as heart rate or skin temperature. Using this information, the patient can then learn to consciously alter these processes. There are several kinds of biofeedback machines, which measure different physiological responses and are useful for different clinical applications. Five commonly used types of biofeedback machines include electromyographs, feedback thermometers, electrodermographs, electrocardiographs, pneumographs, electroencephalographs. 

#1: Electromyographs as Biofeedback Machines

One of the more commonly used types of biofeedback machines is the electromyograph. Electromyography uses surface electrodes on the skin to detect electrical action potentials in the muscles underneath. EMG biofeedback machines are most commonly used for anxiety and pain disorders. Some of the common applications include generalized anxiety disorder, chronic muscle pain, migraine headaches, chronic or recurrent tension headaches, pelvic pain, and temporomandibular joint pain.

#2: Feedback Thermometers as Biofeedback Machines

Feedback thermometers are biofeedback machines that use a temperature-sensitive resistor to measure skin temperature. This information can be used to teach the patient to either cool their hands, which involves vasoconstriction, or warm their hands, which involves vasodilation. Feedback thermometers, when used as biofeedback machines, can be used to help treat chronic pain, edema (swelling), hypertension (high blood pressure), tension or migraine headaches, and anxiety.

#3: Electrodermohraphs as Biofeedback Machines

An electrodermograph is an instrument that uses electrodes on the hand or wrist to measure skin conductivity. Skin conductivity is an indirect measure of sweat gland activity, which increases due to arousal, anxiety, stress, and other cognitive arousal. In addition to their usefulness in the context of anxiety disorders, electrodermographs as biofeedback machines can also be used in treating hyperhidrosis, a condition of excessive sweating.

#4: Electrocardiographs as Biofeedback Machines

Electrocardiography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of the heart, using electrodes placed on the torso or extremities. EMG measurements indicate the interval between heart beats, which correlates with heart rate. Electrocardiographs as biofeedback machines can be used in biofeedback therapy for depression and anxiety. They are also useful for conditions like heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). 

#5: Pneumographs as Biofeedback Machines

A pneumograph is another of the biofeedback machines that is commonly used. Pneumography measures respiration rate using a flexible sensor band placed around the chest or abdomen. Pneumographic biofeedback therapy can be used in treating disorders in which irregular breathing is a factor, such as asthma, COPD, hypertension, and panic attacks. It is also useful for anxiety disorders.

#6: Electroencephalographs as Biofeedback Machines

Electroencephalographs (EEGs) are biofeedback machines that are used for neurofeedback therapy. In neurofeedback therapy, EEG biofeedback machines inform patients of changes in their neural oscillation frequencies, better known as “brainwaves.” Different frequency ranges (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and theta) correlate with different mental states, and abnormalities in brainwaves emitted in relevant brain areas have been documented in many psychological disorders. The goal of neurofeedback therapy is to facilitate a process of learning to alter the frequencies, which is achieved using a software system where images and sounds respond to frequency changes. 

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How do I choose biofeedback equipment

What are Biofeedback Machines?

Biofeedback is a revolutionary therapy tool that assists people suffering from a variety of afflictions, including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and stress.  Here is how it works:  by measuring physiological signals in your body, such as your sweat glands, skin temperature, or brain waves, biofeedback machines then give you a custom-tailored report on what is out of balance in your body, and the actions you can take to fix it.

Biofeedback is widely used and medically accepted – in fact, one biofeedback machine, the Stress Eraser, has even received approval and regulation from the Food and Drug Administration.  In essence, it helps patients gain voluntary control over subtle psychological and physiological processes that are exacerbating, or even causing, life-affecting conditions.  Biofeedback has even been shown to help drug addicts get clean and victims of seizures lead healthier, more normal lives.

Biofeedback machines are available in many shapes and sizes, but there are three general categories that they fall into:

1.       Professional-grade biofeedback machines - These machines are typically found in hospitals and clinical environments, and tend to be larger and more sophisticated than machines found in households.  They are used to treat a variety of afflictions, and usually have more advanced (and much more expensive) technology to create higher quality, more complex games and training regimens.  They also come in specialized varieties to treat advanced conditions that patients should not try to treat themselves.

2.       Handheld biofeedback machines - You may find these in a professional therapeutic setting as well, but these are also available for patients to use at home.  The machine mentioned earlier – the Stress Eraser – falls into this category.  There are hundreds of different devices from a slew of manufacturers in this segment, all with different targeted conditions and functionality; however, all conditions that respond to biofeedback machines may not be addressed by handheld equipment. For instance, EEG neurofeedback to treat anxiety and attention deficit disorder (ADD) does not come in a home-use, handheld device.  Handheld biofeedback machines tend to focus on stress reduction, though they can be helpful with other afflictions, as well.

3.       Smartphone apps - The last category of biofeedback machines doesn't actually contain a machine, unless you are counting your iPhone or Android smartphone.  These apps use smartphone functionality, such as the camera, to collect information about your physiological processes. These tend to be far less accurate than medical-grade biofeedback machines, but they are also substantially less expensive and convenient, because you do not have to purchase and account for yet another electronic device.

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