The published reports on clinical applications of biofeedback training are summarized and critically reviewed. Only in the area of electromyogram feedback for muscle retraining, elimination of subvocal speech while reading and elimination of tension headaches does the evidence support strong conclusions on the efficacy of biofeedback training.
In the areas of elimination of cardiac arrhythmias, lowering blood pressure, and reducing seizure frequency the results are encouraging, but are subject to a variety of methodological flaws. In other areas no firm conclusions can be drawn from the available evidence.
Blanchard EB, Young LD. Clinical Applications of Biofeedback Training: A Review of Evidence. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1974;30(5):573–589. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1974.01760110003001
Artificial Intelligence Resource Center
Customize your JAMA Network experience by selecting one or more topics from the list below.