Biofeedback
Definition:
1)Information about one’s biological functions.
2)A measurement of body responses.
3)An external way of measuring internal functions.
Why Use Biofeedback Training?
Using feedback from an instrument teaches an individual to voluntarily make changes in biological functions.
Key Point: The goal of biofeedback is voluntary self-regulation.
This is done by:
1)Development of increased awareness of relevant internal functions.
2)Establishment of control over these functions.
3)Transfer of this control from the training site to the competition.
Why should we be interested in controlling physical responses?
We don’t understand the limits of how our mind can control our body!
A)Jacques Mayol
B)Yogi – (tank with 5 min. oxygen, stayed in tank for 30 minutes)
Heart Rate 68 to 24
Respiration Rate 12 to 3
EEG from beta to alpha
C)Murgin Indians – Taboo deaths (caused the heart to stop)
Application to Sport Psychology
A)It aids the athlete who can’t distinguish physical tension.
B)Diagnostic Technique – identification of problems during an interview about their sport performance.
C)Experimental Studies – monitors physiological responses.
D)Learning fine muscle discrimination to increase performance.
E)Attention and concentration training.
F)Can be used in conjunction with PST
Relaxation
Controlling anger and anxiety (use with CSI)
Keys to the Use of Biofeedback
1)It is a multifaceted, integrated approach (combine biofeedback, imagery and relaxation techniques).
2)It allows for the selection of appropriate treatment methods for specific problems (ie. categorization of anxiety).
3)It moves the athlete from an external locus of control to an internal locus of control.
Instrumentation
Electromyography (EMG) – monitors muscle tension (it actually measures electrical activity in the muscle). Electrical impulses cause the muscle to contract. EMG is used to identify stress, tension and anxiety.
Skin Temperature – (simplest and most frequently used) It monitors skin temperature changes resulting from changes in blood flow. When the body in uptight, peripheral blood vessels close which decreases skin temperature. Training to raise body temperature produces an anti-stress effect.
Electroencepholographam (EEG) – measures electrical impulses from the brain. However, EEG impulses are complex and difficult to define.
Beta – mentally aroused, alert, focused, anxious
Alpha – relaxed state, voiding your mind of all thoughts
Theta – drowsy, close to a sleep state
Delta – deep, dreamless sleep (lowest arousal level)
Galvanic Skin Response – measures tiny electrical voltages generated by the skin’s sweat glands. An increase in arousal = an increase in perspiration. Relaxation = Dry Skin. (Used in lie detector tests)
Heart Rate – Arousal produces increased heart rate.