Biofeedback is a technique that teaches people of all ages to control physiological processes that are usually involuntary such as temperature, heart rate, or brainwave activity. This is accomplished by using sensors to monitor a particular aspect of a person’s physiology in real time. The data from the sensors is translated into sounds or visually displayed on a monitor so that the individual can learn to manage the activity that has been measured. They then use this feedback to develop relaxation, focus, and stress-reduction techniques that allow them to self-regulate their physiological state.
Most forms of biofeedback treat conditions tied to a similar set of physiological responses. They include ADHD, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, migraines, peak performance, focus, emotional control, response inhibition, and certain medical concerns, depending on the form of biofeedback.
Advantages For Kids
If you ask your child how any of these conditions feel in their body, they will likely be able to tell you. If they can, biofeedback can help them control the body’s reaction. If they struggle to explain how they feel, biofeedback can increase their awareness of the mind-body connection and then help them manage their physical response.
There are several reasons why your child might prefer biofeedback to other forms of treatment and support. They include:
- Doing, not talking
When children have trouble articulating their struggles, biofeedback is an accessible approach because it’s engaging and nonverbal. Most biofeedback programs involve auditory and visual cues, and many have gamification elements. This combination makes the process fun. - Motivating & confidence-building
The concrete nature of biofeedback (e.g., seeing a change in heart rate) is easy for children to understand, and the immediate results of the feedback are motivating. When children engage in biofeedback, it’s an empowering experience that teaches them that they have control over their bodies and experiences. It gives them an active role in their well-being. - Noninvasive & no side effects
Because biofeedback works simply by taking information about the body and relaying it back so that individuals can use the information to learn, there are no side effects associated with any form of biofeedback. What’s more, the impact of learning that occurs with biofeedback tends to be permanent with only occasional maintenance sessions after the initial learning period. - Generalizes well
The increased awareness and skills developed through biofeedback can be applied to all aspects of life. Parents can encourage their child to use their biofeedback strategies in situations beyond school (e.g., after a conflict with a friend, to calm down before bed, or in a doctor’s office).
Types of Biofeedback
Because there are several forms of biofeedback, it makes sense for you and your child to work with a professional to determine the best-fit method. Considerations include your child’s skill with the technique as well as its accessibility. The best biofeedback practitioners are familiar with more than one type of biofeedback and have techniques to make the treatment appealing to a variety of people.
Below is a list of the most common types of biofeedback for children, along with what they measure, and a brief overview of what makes each stand out.
- Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) measures skin conductance/sweat gland activity. GSR offers less detailed feedback than many of the other forms of biofeedback and can therefore be more accessible because it’s less complex. It is a quick measurement of anxiety and, for anyone who is learning to self-regulate their general arousal state, GSR can be a great fit.
- Heart Rate Variability Training (HRV) measures variability in the time between individual heartbeats. HRV training is among the most widely used forms of biofeedback. It’s common for athletes to incorporate it into their training, and many smart devices use HRV as a proxy for stress. The sensors used for therapeutic HRV training are more sensitive than those available commercially and offer nuanced feedback on heart health, stress, relaxation, and overall resilience. Heartmath and Wild Divine are both well-researched and reliable.
- Neurofeedback measures brainwave activity. You might have heard neurofeedback referred to as “brain training.” It works like all forms of biofeedback but requires a qualified professional to identify sensor placement and create a responsive training program. The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) is the certifying body for neurofeedback practitioners and only certifies one type of neurofeedback (high frequency or frequency band training) though there are several others. If you work with a noncertified practitioner, you should know that they may be using equipment that is not FDA-cleared or practicing a type of neurofeedback that doesn’t have a full body of research behind it.
These forms of biofeedback are more niche in their application and are unlikely to be part of a mental healthcare or educational plan for your child. If, however, you or your child have problems in the areas they address, you may want to explore these options:
Jenna Prada, M.Ed, a certified teacher and administrator, is the Director of Learning at Sadar Psychological.