Overview
What is Biofeedback
Types of Biofeedback
Problems that can benefit
How long does it take
How to begin
Performance Enhancement
Samples of Relaxation
Training Exercises
OVERVIEW: Biofeedback at the Danskin Performance Enhancement Center
A part of the Kansas State Counseling Services, the Danskin Performance Enhancement Center is staffed with biofeedback specialists, graduate-level professionals with specific training in the biofeedback techniques, equipment, and counseling skills to help individuals develop self-regulation skills in areas of performance enhancement and stress management. Completed in January, 1995, this program features four f1000 computerized biofeedback systems. KSU has a long history of leadership in the use of biofeedback for student learning. The Biofeedback Training Center ensures KSU a continuing position of leadership.
Biofeedback training is a useful intervention to aid in dealing with stress-induced physical and psychological concerns such as bruxism, anxiety, migraine and tension headaches, hypertension, acne, muscle tension, and ulcers.
WHAT TYPES OF BIOFEEDBACK ARE USED AT K-STATE?
WHAT PROBLEMS CAN BE EASED BY LEARNING THESE SKILLS.?*
* Because biofeedback has no essential effect like drugs or surgery, it is not an instant cure for any of these problems or conditions.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN SELF-REGULATION SKILLS?
The time to leam any skill varies from person to person, this is also the case with self-regulation skills.
Five to six weeks is usually the minimum. It may take several months for some people, and people with stress related physical problems could take even longer.
The skills become useful only if you practice them daily! Leaming new habits and gaining new skills takes commitment, time, and practice. The good news is that practicing takes only a few minutes each day and, because the exercises feel good, you may find yourself using the skills several times each day!
HOW TO BEGIN BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING
STEP 1: Come to Counseling Services at 232 English/Counseling Service Building or go online to complete paperwork needed before scheduing an appointment with a counselor..
STEP 2: Attend the initial session with a CS staff who will gather information and help assess whether he/she can help you learn stress management techniques or referral to a biofeedback specialist is indicated.
STEP 3: If you are referred for biofeedback training, the initial biofeedback session is free and will provide an overview of biofeedback. Any additional biofeedback sessions will cost $6/session (the fee willl increase to $7/session after July 1, 2008).
STEP 4: You will be
encouraged to continue with weekly sessions until you have mastered some
of these skills and are using them on a daily basis in your everyday life.
The number of sessions needed varies per person and issue.
Students may learn to regulate their own mental, emotional, and other physiological responses to stressor events in their life. Self-regulation is learned by use of biofeedback. This technique uses instantaneous cues of body changes such as muscle tension (EMG), skin conductance (EDR), skin temperature, and brain wave activity (EEG). Gaining self-regulation ability to control stress responses can assist student performance in the classroom, in social interactions, during athletic events, and in job situations. For more information on the use of stress management/biofeedback skills in performance enhancement, see Sports.