Glossary
Biofeedback
What is biofeedback?
Biofeedback uses measured bodily signals, such as heart rate, muscle activity, skin conductance, or brain waves, as feedback. Training often presents those signals in real time so a person can see how they change while trying a task or technique.
How it works
Sensors measure physiological signals and present information that can guide practice. For example, an electromyography (EMG) display can show muscle activity during relaxation training. Transfer to situations without the device is a possible training aim, not an automatic outcome. A change in symptoms does not by itself establish that learned physiological control caused it.
Applied example
Forehead EMG feedback during headache treatment illustrates an application. Evidence depends on the protocol and comparison. A 2020 randomized study reported improvements with diagnosis-specific biofeedback compared with a group waiting for treatment. A 2009 randomized study found no added benefit over relaxation instruction. The first comparison does not isolate the feedback component; the second had adherence and follow-up limitations.
Why it matters
Biofeedback makes otherwise difficult-to-observe bodily information available for training. Seeing a signal change and feeling better are different outcomes. To judge a treatment, check both the intended benefit and what the feedback adds beyond the rest of the training.
Sources and further reading
Biofeedback in the behavior change taxonomy
BCT Taxonomy v1 uses a broader intervention definition (2.6): bodily feedback from an external device as part of a behavior change strategy. It need not be a continuous real-time training display.