Biofeedback as a Procedure for Teaching Blood Pressure Control to Normotensives

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The previous research into training normotensives to control their blood pressure via biofeedback is reviewed. Beginning with the early ‘Harvard’ studies, methodological limitations are apparent in many of the ‘accepted’ reports. Issues of type and incidence of feedback, systolic vs. diastolic pressures, and number of training sessions necessary to achieve success are discussed, leading to a summary of the relevant research from the viewpoint of methodological considerations including: adequacy of adaptation and baseline periods, confounding of reward with feedback, use of post-tests and follow-ups, and generalisation of training to stressful situations. Several areas for future research are raised for discussion.