Biofeedback Application Research Articles

Usability of a gamified eletromyographic biofeedback mobile application to monitor the voluntary contraction of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles

To assess the usability of a gamified electromyographic biofeedback mobile application to monitor the voluntary contraction of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles. This is a cross-sectional study in a sample of 27 health professionals – dental surgeons and physical and speech-language-hearing therapists –, who used a gamified electromyographic biofeedback mobile application and then assessed it with a visual analog scale (for user satisfaction) and the Measuring Usability of Touchscreen Phone Applications checklist (MATcH-MED). Data underwent descriptive analysis with one-way ANOVA, post hoc, and Tukey test, considering p < 0.05. Participants were satisfied with the system and application. Usability was considered high with MATcH-MED, with a mean of 56.82 points. Physical therapists ascribed very high usability to it, with a significant difference between them and the dentists (p < 0.03). In conclusion, the gamified electromyographic biofeedback application had a high degree of usability, making it apt for monitoring the voluntary contraction of the masticatory and swallowing muscles.

Non-contact breath cycle analysis for different breathing patterns using RGB-D videos

Traditionally, yogic breathing exercises have been considered an effective adjunct in managing stress, chronic pain and depression. Real-time bio-feedback based gaming applications can provide an opportunity to broaden the reach of yogic breathing exercises. To extract the bio-feedback parameters on human breathing behavior, robust real-time quantification of inhalation, exhalation, and retention durations for each breath cycle is very crucial. This paper implements the extraction of every respiration cycle of a person along with the duration of inhalation and exhalation using RGB-D videos under minimal movement. The proposed method uses the abdominal-thoracic region as the region of interest (ROI) and relates the small displacement of the chest region with breath and obtains a time-series signal that represents the user's breathing pattern. Appropriate digital filtering techniques are employed in eliminating the noise components and a novel algorithm is proposed to extract individual breath cycle parameters. From the extracted parameters, a gamified bio-feedback application to regulate respiration in real-time is demonstrated. The proposed methodology is evaluated for different breathing patterns against a collected representative dataset, which includes ten participants of different age groups and gender. Results indicate that the breathing rate can be detected with a mean RMSE error of 0.435 s and 0.467 s for the inhalation and exhalation times between the proposed method and the ground truth measurement.

Hybrid Harmony: A Multi-Person Neurofeedback Application for Interpersonal Synchrony.

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in studies measuring brain activity, physiological responses, and/or movement data from multiple individuals during social interaction. For example, so-called "hyperscanning" research has demonstrated that brain activity may become synchronized across people as a function of a range of factors. Such findings not only underscore the potential of hyperscanning techniques to capture meaningful aspects of naturalistic interactions, but also raise the possibility that hyperscanning can be leveraged as a tool to help improve such naturalistic interactions. Building on our previous work showing that exposing dyads to real-time inter-brain synchrony neurofeedback may help boost their interpersonal connectedness, we describe the biofeedback application Hybrid Harmony, a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) that supports the simultaneous recording of multiple neurophysiological datastreams and the real-time visualization and sonification of inter-subject synchrony. We report results from 236 dyads experiencing synchrony neurofeedback during naturalistic face-to-face interactions, and show that pairs' social closeness and affective personality traits can be reliably captured with the inter-brain synchrony neurofeedback protocol, which incorporates several different online inter-subject connectivity analyses that can be applied interchangeably. Hybrid Harmony can be used by researchers who wish to study the effects of synchrony biofeedback, and by biofeedback artists and serious game developers who wish to incorporate multiplayer situations into their practice.

Effects of pressure biofeedback application location for subjects with lumbar instability on pelvic rotation and hip joint abductor muscle activity during the Clam exercise.

Effects of pressure biofeedback application location for subjects with lumbar instability on pelvic rotation and hip joint abductor muscle activity during the Clam exercise.

Different types of biofeedback applications in health and disease

Biofeedback treatment is among the methods proposed to prevent and treat many organic and mental problems. Many experts carry out biofeedback application since it is applied by psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors, social workers, nurses, and physiotherapists. Biofeedback is a non-invasive, natural method that does not require drugs, although it can be used along with medicines. It is based on the learning and training of individuals on their body’s normal functions such as muscle pain, brain waves, heart rate, pain perception, skin conductivity, and blood pressure. It is often used to treat stress, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, tension, urinary incontinence, muscle aches, and other problems. It can be applied in conjunction with other therapies when necessary, such as psychotherapy, meditation, or other alternative therapies. It has many applications with no side effects, does not create dependencies, and can be interrupted at any time.

The Effect of Biofeedback on Intimate Partner Violence: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Studies on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for intimate partner violence (IPV) offenders show small to no effects on recidivism. IPV-offenders may not fully benefit from CBT due to insufficient transfer and generalization from therapy to real-life situations. During CBT, patients are taught to detect bodily signals indicative of arousal. A possible reason that the transfer is insufficient might be that the arousal-provoking stimuli in therapy do not match the real-world provoking stimuli, and thus patients do not learn to sufficiently detect bodily signals preceding arousal in real-life. Recent research has shown that IPV-offenders differ in their psychophysiological reactivity depending on their main diagnosis. This might also have implications for learning transfer. We presume that IPV perpetrators cannot fully profit from CBT interventions in which self-control is taught from cognitive techniques instead of increasing physical awareness through biofeedback. In the present study we first want to test the hypothesis that biofeedback will increase awareness of bodily signals indicative of arousal. Second, we expect that the use of biofeedback will have beneficial effects on transfer to real-life situations resulting in a decrease of IPV. For this purpose, we developed a smartphone application, Good Reaction Is Prevention (GRIP), that when used in conjunction with a heart rate monitor measures heart rate variability and notifies users when a personal stress threshold is surpassed. Methods/design: The study takes place in an outpatient forensic treatment center. In a randomized controlled trial (N = 40) we compare a 9-week CBT-based program aimed at developing motivation and self-control where IPV offenders will be treated either with or without biofeedback. The primary outcome is change in frequency of IPV from pretest to posttest. Secondary outcomes are weekly self-report questionnaires on bodily sensations of anger and change in resting HRV-values between pre and post intervention. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to test the effects of a biofeedback application on IPV. This study will test a new intervention strategy which is expected to increase treatment effects by focusing on bodily awareness instead of cognitive processes.

Cardiorespiratory feedback training as a non-pharmacological intervention and its application in stroke patients

The interaction between cardiovascular and respiratory systems is a reciprocal one mediated by mechanical factors, autonomic nervous system, and baroreflex regulation and manifested in the changes in heart rate, blood pressure and ventilation. These changes can be rather easily registered and measured, which opens the opportunity for clinical use (both in diagnostics and therapy). In the paper we briefly review the potential role and implementation of cardiorespiratory biofeedback in treating patients with neurological diseases, in particular, stroke survivors. The available evidence suggests that this method based on the existing cardiorespiratory coupling mechanisms may prove its efficacy in treating a range of medical conditions including cerebrovascular disorders. The prospects of cardiorespiratory biofeedback application in improving a stroke patient’s quality of life (including physical, emotional, and cognitive levels) and clinical status require further investigation. The topicality of determining the long-term effect of novel non-pharmacological interventions as an adjunct to conventional therapies is defined by their limitations and significant pharmacological load.

Reliable Communication Protocol for Coach Based Augmented Biofeedback Applications in Swimming

Abstract Traditional coaching techniques and methods are being challenged by new approaches supported by advances in science and technology. Augmented biofeedback applications are one such example. They enable accelerated motor learning and offer additional information to coaches. Our motivation is the use of wearable wireless inertial sensor devices that provide real-time swimming motion data to coaches. Wireless communication in the water environment is a challenging task because radio waves do not penetrate the water well. Our solution uses Wi-Fi communication modules in conjunction with an application layer communication protocol that ensures reliable sensor signals and data transmissions during swimming when the communication channel is cyclically unavailable. We first measured the conditions of the swimming environment in terms of channel availability and then designed a block-selective repeat protocol that ensures reliable real-time data transmission. We have carried out a series of measurements in the swimming pool with young professional swimmers. The results prove the correct functioning of our protocol. We also present some basic protocol features, such as protocol efficiency. The presented work is used in the current development of a coach-based augmented biofeedback application in swimming.

An investigation into the effect of biofeedback on urinary and fecal incontinence in patients with anal sphincter dysfunction.

Introduction:Fecal incontinence refers to the inability to control bowel movements, causing feces to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. People suffering from this disorder are emotionally distressed. This problem causes social degradation, anxiety, fear, and social isolation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biofeedback (BFB) on fecal incontinence in patients with anal sphincter abnormalities in 2017.Methods:This quasi-experimental study was performed on 30 patients with fecal incontinence, referring to the gastroenterology clinic of Taleghani and Mehrad hospitals. Patients were first evaluated by Wexner criteria and then, with the aid of a manometer, information was obtained on the amount of sphincter muscle tone, squeeze pressure, and rectal sensation. Manometric results and Waxner's questionnaire were compared before and after BFB. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20).Findings:In this study, 18 women and 12 men were studied. There was no significant relationship between fluid intake, fiber, exercise, sex, and incontinence (P < 0.05). According to Wuxner's components, the sphincter muscle tone increased significantly after BFB in patients. The total score of the squeeze pressure increased significantly after the BFB application (P < 0.05). The mean total score of rectal sensation (individual awareness of rectal contents) decreased after the BFB application.Conclusion:In addition to the fact that it can improve incontinence in patients with anal sphincter abnormalities, BFB is also helpful for patients whose sphincter and rectum are not seriously affected and only show incontinence symptoms.

Sensor System for Precision Shooting Evaluation and Real-time Biofeedback

Shooting training is one of the most important trainings in public or private structures such as police, army, security companies, and similar. Shooting is a discipline where precision is of the outmost importance. Technology supported shooting training brings several benefits to the trainees and to the organizations. Trainees spend less time on average for training and the organization potentially saves funds for shooting ranges, coaches, and charges spent. We have designed an application that measures pistol movements during aiming, firing, and post firing phases of each shot. Each successful shot is represented as a hit in a standardized shooting target. The acquired sensor signals are evaluated through target hit results. The measurements include 46 subjects of different ages and different shooting skill levels. The first results show that the hand movement during the aiming phase correlates with the shooting precision. The next step is to find signal features are the most usable for the prediction of shot precision. By using the selected features to detect the unwanted or excessive pistol movement during the aiming phase a trainee can be warned to suspend the current shot and try again later. Such training, incorporating real-time biofeedback application, can lead to accelerated learning, reduces the number of poorly performed shots, and consequently saves time and money.

Effects of biofeedback postural training on pre-existing low back pain in static-posture workers.

Many studies report a relationship between poor static posture (SP) and low back pain (LBP). This study examined the effects of a biofeedback postural training program on pre-existing LBP, changes to level of physical activity and workability in participants. To determine if static posture training with biofeedback alleviates LBP. The control group wore a pedometer to track level of physical activity and the experimental group wore the postural training device, Lumo Lift, for three weeks. Participants completed the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and completed pre- and post-intervention side-view pictures to evaluate changes in posture. Participants were predominately-sedentary work environment (N= 31; 13men, 18women; age = 33.1 ± 13.3years; height = 170.2 ± 9.7cm; mass = 71.6 ± 17.5kg). LBP discomfort was statistically significant when comparing pretest and posttest CMDQ mean score in all subjects [F(1, 18) = 6.25, p= 0.02]. There was no significant evidence of reducing LBP experience and LBP interference at work when comparing all subjects. There was no statistical difference in level of physical activity by analyzing average steps between the experimental and control groups (95% CI =-1040.4-1845.4, p= 0.57). Postural training with biofeedback application helps with LBP management by decreasing level of LBP discomfort. People with LBP should be aware of their static posture and develop good muscle strength and endurance in order to maintain performance at work, school, or sports.

Challenges in wireless communication for connected sensors and wearable devices used in sport biofeedback applications

Sensors, wearables, wireless networks, and other Internet of Things technologies are ever more present in our daily life. We study their applicability and use in biofeedback systems and applications in sport. Biofeedback systems are important in motor learning where a person in the loop uses the feedback information to influence the execution performance. Sensors, actuators, and wireless technologies come in great varieties regarding their properties. We describe the most common groups of sensors and actuators that are used in sport and list the most widespread and easily available wireless technologies. We present the most important constraints of a biofeedback system operation and define a number of fundamental architectures of biofeedback systems. Taking into account all of the above, we present a number of different biofeedback application scenarios in sports. We match the scenarios to the most appropriate existing wireless technology that is expected to sustain scalability in the number of nodes or increased data rates for the expected application lifetime. We find out that currently none of the existing wireless technologies can satisfy the variety of demands of different biofeedback application scenarios.

Biofeedback in dysphonia - progress and challenges.

IntroductionThere is evidence that all the complex machinery involved in speech acts along with the auditory system, and their adjustments can be altered.ObjectiveTo present the evidence of biofeedback application for treatment of vocal disorders, emphasizing the muscle tension dysphonia.MethodsA systematic review was conducted in Scielo, Lilacs, PubMed and Web of Sciences databases, using the combination of descriptors, and admitting as inclusion criteria: articles published in journals with editorial committee, reporting cases or experimental or quasi-experimental research on the use of biofeedback in real time as additional source of treatment monitoring of muscle tension dysphonia or for vocal training.ResultsThirty-three articles were identified in databases, and seven were included in the qualitative synthesis. The beginning of electromyographic biofeedback studies applied to speech therapy were promising and pointed to a new method that enabled good results in muscle tension dysphonia. Nonetheless, the discussion of the results lacked physiological evidence that could serve as their basis. The search for such explanations has become a challenge for speech therapists, and determined two research lines: one dedicated to the improvement of the electromyographic biofeedback methodology for voice disorders, to reduce confounding variables, and the other dedicated to the research of neural processes involved in changing the muscle engram of normal and dysphonic patients.ConclusionThere is evidence that the electromyographic biofeedback promotes changes in the neural networks responsible for speech, and can change behavior for vocal emissions with quality.

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Response to Scent Stimulation for Biofeedback Application

SUMMARYScent stimulation is widely used in day lives such as in aromatherapy. However, the effect of scent stimulation on humans remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a system to evaluate the cardiovascular response to scent stimulation for use in biofeedback applications. In this study, we developed a device for quantitative and short‐term stimulation. We evaluated the heartbeat response to scent stimulation with this device. The experiments revealed that the R–R interval (RRI) was reduced by grapefruit scent stimulation. In addition, the RRI was likely to be controlled by scent stimulation with grapefruit and lavender.

Suitability of Smartphone Inertial Sensors for Real-Time Biofeedback Applications.

This article studies the suitability of smartphones with built-in inertial sensors for biofeedback applications. Biofeedback systems use various sensors to measure body functions and parameters. These sensor data are analyzed, and the results are communicated back to the user, who then tries to act on the feedback signals. Smartphone inertial sensors can be used to capture body movements in biomechanical biofeedback systems. These sensors exhibit various inaccuracies that induce significant angular and positional errors. We studied deterministic and random errors of smartphone accelerometers and gyroscopes, primarily focusing on their biases. Based on extensive measurements, we determined accelerometer and gyroscope noise models and bias variation ranges. Then, we compiled a table of predicted positional and angular errors under various biofeedback system operation conditions. We suggest several bias compensation options that are suitable for various examples of use in real-time biofeedback applications. Measurements within the developed experimental biofeedback application show that under certain conditions, even uncompensated sensors can be used for real-time biofeedback. For general use, especially for more demanding biofeedback applications, sensor biases should be compensated. We are convinced that real-time biofeedback systems based on smartphone inertial sensors are applicable to many similar examples in sports, healthcare, and other areas.

匂い刺激のバイオフィードバック応用に向けた循環器応答の基礎的評価

匂い刺激のバイオフィードバック応用に向けた循環器応答の基礎的評価

Implementing Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Groups for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

This article describes the administration of a heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback intervention designed to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity in post-9/11 service members. The study recruited 33 male OEF/OIF/OND combat veterans in a Los Angeles transitional housing program. Twenty-seven veterans completed the study. Participants attended eight once-weekly HRV biofeedback group sessions. For the first four weeks, veterans learned to use biofeedback to regulate physiological stress responses. The latter four weeks consisted of real-life biofeedback application and coaching. Results suggest that consistent HRV biofeedback practice was essential for HRV improvement, which may help alleviate PTSD.

Impact of Biofeedback on Self-efficacy and Stress Reduction in Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Biofeedback application is an evidence-based technique to induce relaxation. A primary mechanism of action is the improvement of self-efficacy, which is needed to facilitate the translation of health behavioral intentions into action. Obesity is often associated with low self-efficacy and dysfunctional eating patterns, including comfort eating as an inexpedient relaxation technique. This is the first study investigating the effects of biofeedback on self-efficacy and relaxation in obesity. In the present experiment, 31 women, mean body mass index 35.5 kg/m², were randomized to a food-specific biofeedback paradigm, a non-specific relaxation biofeedback paradigm, or a waiting list control. Eight sessions of biofeedback of the electrodermal activity were performed while presenting either a challenging food stimulus or a non-specific landscape stimulus. Self-efficacy, stress, ability to relax, eating behavior, and electrodermal activity were assessed before, directly after, and 3 months after the intervention. The food-specific biofeedback predominantly showed effects on food-related self-efficacy and perceived stress. The non-specific relaxation biofeedback showed effects on the ability to relax. Self-reported improvements were confirmed by corresponding decrease in the electrodermal reaction to food stimuli. Biofeedback treatment is effective in improving self-efficacy in individuals with obesity and might therefore be a valuable additional intervention in obesity treatment.

Does biofeedback affect incontinence and quality of life in Turkish women?

ABSTRACTAlthough urinary incontinence (UI) is not a life‐threatening disease, it is a common health problem that affects quality of life. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFE) with biofeedback on incontinence and quality of life in women with UI. This clinical study was a randomized, controlled and experimental research conducted on 60 patients in total (30 control and 30 intervention patients) at a university hospital. Data were collected by using a questionnaire, Incontinence Quality of Life (I‐QOL) instrument, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF). The intervention group received biofeedback treatment for 16 sessions in total, each of which lasted 20 min, for 8 weeks, twice weekly, in a urodynamic unit. The obtained data were evaluated using χ2, Student's t, one‐way analysis of variance (anova), Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests. It was observed that the incontinence inquiry form mean score of 16·1 ± 2·2 in the intervention group before biofeedback application decreased to 11·6 ± 4·6 after the application, whereas it increased from 14·0 ± 4·7 to 14·7 ± 4·7 in the control group (p &lt; 0·05). It was also determined that the quality of life total mean score of 52·1 ± 10·5 in the intervention group before biofeedback application increased to 58·7 ± 14·7 after the application, whereas it decreased from 58·1 ± 16·1 to 53·5 ± 16·1 in the control group (p &lt; 0·05). At the end of this study it was observed that PFE with biofeedback reduced incontinence and increased quality of life in women.

Toward the identification of EMG-signal and its bio-feedback application

The electromyogram (EMG) is known to be induced by certain muscle contraction. Except for those disabled who totally lost their extremity, surface EMG signals can be measured from the skin surface. Due to this property, EMG can detect the muscle contraction, and thus can be applied to estimate the required torque for orthosis, and it is thus possible to operate the orthosis in real-time by bio-feedback to enhance human's physical ability instead of using an artificial limb. In this article, firstly, we introduce inverse dynamics and a muscle mechanics model to infer EMG which is related to the knee torque. Secondly, we make use of an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to establish a model that related EMG and knee torque. Lastly, we will devise an EMG-based bio-feedback lower limb othosis in real-time through several experiments to validate its efficacy.