biofeedback

American  

[bahy-oh-feed-bak] / ˌbaɪ oʊˈfidˌbæk /

noun

1. a method of learning to control one's bodily functions by monitoring one's own brain waves, blood pressure, degree of muscle tension, etc.

2. the feedback thus obtained.

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biofeedback British  

/ ˌbaɪəʊˈfiːdbæk /

noun

1. physiol psychol a technique for teaching the control of autonomic functions, such as the rate of heartbeat or breathing, by recording the activity and presenting it (usually visually) so that the person can know the state of the autonomic function he or she is learning to control Compare neurofeedback

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biofeedback Scientific  

/ bī′ō-fēd′băk′ /

1. The technique of using monitoring devices to obtain information about an involuntary function of the central or autonomic nervous system, such as body temperature or blood pressure, in order to gain some voluntary control over the function. Using biofeedback, individuals can be trained to respond to abnormal measurements in involuntary function with specific therapeutic actions, such as muscle relaxation, meditation, or changing breathing patterns. Biofeedback has been used to treat medical conditions such as hypertension and chronic anxiety.

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biofeedback Cultural  

1. A training technique by which a person learns how to regulate certain body functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or brain wave patterns, that are normally considered to be involuntary. The person learns by watching special monitoring instruments attached to the body that record changes in these functions.

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Discover More

Biofeedback has had some success in the treatment of such disorders as chronic headaches and back pain.

Etymology

Origin of biofeedback

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + feedback

Example Sentences

Joe McTernan of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association said such research encourages technological advancements that could someday provide real-time biofeedback for people who have lost limbs.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2023

Stress-reducing interventions, biofeedback and increased fitness can increase heart rate variability.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2022

The device is free because all that biofeedback comes via a smartphone app and a monthly membership fee that starts as low as $18 a month.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2021

With widespread adoption of biofeedback devices, the tailoring of music interventions to individual cognitive or neural-cardiac states is now well within reach enabling a “musical prescription” for improved mental and physical wellbeing.

From Scientific American • Sep. 18, 2021

Once you pushed it, the hover ladder randomly flitted in front of the shelves, using advanced biofeedback technology, heart-rate monitors, and complex algorithms to figure out what sort of story you might be interested in.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein