Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Biofeedback: Clinically Valid or Oversold?

  • Article
  • Published:
The Psychological Record Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Despite over 20 years of research, the clinical effectiveness of biofeedback has not been established. Nevertheless the use of biofeedback techniques has been promulgated as a beneficial form of treatment for a wide variety of disorders. Although some biofeedback applications seem to be highly effective, the research underlying many other types of application remains equivocal. This article addresses a number of the more important critical issues, both methodological and conceptual that are in need of resolution before biofeedback can be promoted as a clinically valid treatment procedure on as wide a basis as is presently the case.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Reference Notes

  1. PACKER, L., & SELEKMAN, W. Within subjects controls in EMG and thermal biofeedback training: The baseline effect. Presented at the Biofeedback Society of America, Orlando, Florida, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  2. GROVE, R.N., & DENVER, D.R. Differential sensitivity of forearm and sterno mastoid muscle activity to biofeedback after prolonged baselines: A microanalysis. Paper presented at the Biofeedback Society of America convention, Orlando, Florida, 1977.

    Google Scholar 

  3. SIMKINS, L., & PETTENGILL, J. Sensory mode of feedback and incentive effects on muscle relaxation. Presented at the Biofeedback Society of America, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  4. SIMKINS, L., & FUNK, M. Acquisition of skin temperature control in a cold pressor stress situation. Presented at the Biofeedback Society of America, San Diego, California, February, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  5. ANDRASIK, F. Personal communication reported in S. Lynn & R. Freedman, Transfer and evaluation of biofeedback treatment. In A. Goldstein & F. Kanfer (Eds.), Maximizing treatment gains: Transfer enhancement in psychotherapy. New York: Academic Press, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  6. SHERIDAN, C., BOEHM, M., WARD, I., & JUSTESEN, D. Autogenic feedback, autogenic practice, and biofeedback compared. Presented at the Biofeedback Society of America, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

References

  • ALEXANDER, A.B. 1975. An experimental test of assumptions relating to the use of electromyographic feedback as a general relaxation technique. Psychophysiology, 12, 656–662.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ALEXANDER, A.B., WHITE, P.D., & WALLACE, H.M. 1977. Training and transfer of training effects in EMG biofeedback assisted muscular relaxation training. Psychophysiology, 14, 551–559.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BLANCHARD, E.B., & YOUNG, L.D. 1974. Self-control of cardiac functioning: A promise as yet unfulfilled. Psychological Bulletin, 79, 145–163.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BUDZYNSKI, T.H., & STOYVA, J.M. 1969. An instrument for producing deep muscle relaxation by means of analog information feedback. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 4, 231–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BURISH, T.G. 1981. EMG biofeedback in the treatment of stress-related disorders. In C.K. Prokop & L.A. Bradley (Eds.), Medical psychology: Contributions to behavioral medicine. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • BURISH, T.G., & SCHWARTZ, D.P. 1980. EMG biofeedback training, transfer of training, and coping with stress. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 24, 85–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CARLSON, J.G. 1977. Locus of control and frontal electromyographic response training. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 2, 259–271.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CARLSON, J.G., & GALE, E.N. 1977. Biofeedback in the treatment of long-term temporomandibular joint pain: An outcome study. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 2, 161–171.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CHESNEY, M., & SHELTON, J.L. 1976. A comparison of muscle relaxation and electromyogram biofeedback treatment of muscle contraction headache. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 7, 221–225.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • COURSEY, R.D. 1975. Electromyographic feedback as a relaxation technique. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 43, 825–834.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeGOOD, D.E., & CHISHOLM, R.C. 1977. Multiple response comparison of parietal EEG and frontalis EMG biofeedback. Psychophysiology, 14, 258–265.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • FINLEY, W. 1976. Effects of sham feedback following successful SMR training in an epileptic. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 1, 227–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • FOTOPOULOS, S.S., & BINEGAR, G.A. 1977. Differences in baselines and volitional control of EEG (8–12 Hz and 13–20 Hz), EMG and skin temperature: Internal versus external orientation. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 2, 357–358. (Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • GATCHEL, R.J., KORMAN, M., WEIS, C.B., SMITH, D., & CLARK, L.A. 1978. A multiple response evaluation of EMG biofeedback performance during training and stress induced conditions. Psychophysiology, 15, 253–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • GATCHEL, R., & PRICE, K. (Eds.). 1979. Clinical applications of biofeedback: Appraisal and status. New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • HAYNES, S.N., MOSELY, D., & McGOWAN, W. 1975. Relaxation training and biofeedback in the reduction of frontalis muscle tension. Psychophysiology, 12, 547–552.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • HOLMES, D.S. 1981. The use of biofeedback for treating patients with migraine headaches, Reynaud’s disease and hypertension: A critical evaluation. In C.K. Prokop & L.A. Bradley (Eds.), Medical psychology: Contributions to behavioral medicine. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • HOLROYD, K., ANDRASIK, F., & WESTBROOK, T. 1977. Cognitive control of tension headache. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 1, 121–133.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • KATKIN, E., & GOLDBAND, S. 1979. The placebo effect and biofeedback. In R. Gatchel & K. Price (Eds.), Clinical applications of biofeedback: Appraisal and status. New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • KEEFE, F.J., & SURWIT, R.S. 1978. Electromyographic feedback — Behavioral treatment of muscular disorders. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 1, 13–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • KING, N.J., & MONTGOMERY, R.B. 1980. Biofeedback-induced control of human peripheral temperature: A critical review of the literature. Psychological Bulletin, 88, 738–752.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • KINSMAN, R., & STAUDENMAYER, H. 1978. Baseline levels in muscle relaxation training. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 3, 97–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • LACEY, J.I., & LACEY, J.B. 1962. The law of initial value in the longitudinal study of autonomic constitution: Reproducibility of autonomic responses and response patterns over a four year interval. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 98, 1257–1290.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • LYNN, S.J., & FREEDMAN, R.R. 1979. Transfer and evaluation of biofeedback treatment. In A. Goldstein & F. Kanfer (Eds.), Maximizing treatment gains: Transfer enhancement in psychotherapy. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCANNE, T.R., & SANDMAN, C. 1975. Determinants of human heart rate conditioning: A systematic investigation of several methodological issues. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 88, 609–618.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MELZACK, R., & PERRY, C. 1975. Self-regulation of pain: The use of alpha feedback and hypnotic training for the control of chronic pain. Experimental Neurology, 46, 452–469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MILLER, N.E. 1978. Biofeedback and visceral learning. In M.R. Rosenzweig & E.W. Porter (Eds.), Annual Review of Psychology, 29. Palo Alto, California.

    Google Scholar 

  • NORRIS, P.A. 1978. Thermal biofeedback: A non-drug approach for control of hypertension. Handbook: Fourth Annual Biofeedback for Professionals. San Antonio, Texas: Biofeedback Society of America.

    Google Scholar 

  • OLLENDICK, T.H., & MURPHY, M.J. 1977. Differential effectiveness of muscular and cognitive relaxation as a function of locus of control. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 8, 223–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • QUALLS, P.J., & SHEEHAN, P.W. 1979. Capacity for absorption and relaxation during electromyographic feedback and no feedback conditions. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 88, 652–662.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • QUALLS, P.J., & SHEEHAN, P.W. 1981a. Electromyographic biofeedback as a relaxation technique: A critical appraisal and reassessment. Psychological Bulletin, 90, 21–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • QUALLS, P.J., & SHEEHAN, P.W. 1981b. Role of the feedback signal in electromyographic feedback: The relevance of attention. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 110, 204–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • RAY, W.J., RACZYNSKI, J.M., ROGERS, T., & KIMBALL, W.H. 1979. Evaluation of clinical biofeedback. New York: Plenum Publishing.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • REINKING, R.H. 1977. The influence of internal-external control and trait anxiety on acquisition of EMG control. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 2, 359. (Abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • REINKING, R.H., & KOHL, M.L. 1975. Effects of various forms of relaxation training on physiological and self-report measures of relaxation. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 43, 595–600.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • RUGH, J. 1979. Instrumentation in biofeedback. In R. Gatchel & K. Price (Eds.), Clinical applications of biofeedback: Appraisal and status. New York: Pergamon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • RUGH, J., & SCHWITZGEBEL, R. 1977. Variability in commercial electromyographic biofeedback devices. Behavior Research Methods and Instrumentation, 9:3, 281–285.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SARGENT, J.F., GREEN, E.E., & WALTERS, E.D. 1972. The use of autogenic feedback training in a pilot study of migraine and tension headaches. Headache, 12, 120–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SCHULTZ, J.H., & LUTHE, W. 1969. Autogenic therapy (Vol. 1). New York: Grune & Stratton.

  • SCHWARTZ, G. 1973. Biofeedback as therapy: Some theoretical and practical issues. American Psychologist, 28, 666–673.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SHAPIRO, D., & SURWIT, R. 1979. Biofeedback. In O. Pomerleau & J. Brady (Eds.), Behavioral medicine: Theory and practice. Baltimore, Maryland: Williams and Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • SHEDIVY, D.I., & KLEINMAN, K.M. 1977. Lack of correlation between frontalis EMG and either neck EMG or verbal ratings of tension. Psychophysiology, 14, 182–186.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SIME, W.E., & DeGOOD, D.E. 1977. Effect of EMG biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation training on awareness of frontalis muscle tension. Psychophysiology, 14, 522–530.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • STERN, G.S., & BERRENBERG, J.L. 1977. Biofeedback training in frontalis muscle relaxation and enhancement of belief in personal control. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 2, 173–182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SURWIT, R.S., PILON, R.N., & FENTON, C.H. 1978. Behavioral treatment of Reynaud’s disease. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 1, 323–335.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • TAUB, E. 1977. Self regulation of human skin tissue temperature. In G. Schwartz & J. Beatty (Eds.), Biofeedback: Theory and research. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • WILDER, J. 1957. The Law of Initial Values in neurology and psychiatry: Facts and problems. Journal of Nervous and Menial Diseases, 125, 73–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA

    Lawrence Simkins

Authors
  1. Lawrence Simkins
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Simkins, L. Biofeedback: Clinically Valid or Oversold?. Psychol Rec 32, 3–17 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399518

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03399518

Search

Navigation