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Schmidt K, Barac-Dammeyer D, Kowalski A, Teigelack P, Pfeiffer C, Robitzsch A, Dörrie N, Skoda EM, Bäuerle A, Fink M, Teufel M. Implementing biofeedback treatment in a psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic inpatient unit: a mixed methods evaluation of acceptance, satisfaction, and feasibility. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1140880. [PMID: 37293401 PMCID: PMC10244572 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1140880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Feedback-based therapies such as biofeedback have a benefit in patients with mental health disorders. While biofeedback is heavily researched in outpatient settings, it has been rarely investigated in psychosomatic inpatient settings. The implementation of an additional treatment option in inpatient settings holds special requirements. The aim of this pilot study is the evaluation of additional biofeedback treatment in an inpatient psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic unit to derive clinical implications and recommendations for the future implementation of biofeedback offers. Methods The evaluation of the implementation process was investigated using a convergent parallel mixed methods approach (following MMARS guidelines). Quantitative questionnaires measured patients' acceptance and satisfaction with biofeedback treatment after receiving 10 sessions in addition to treatment as usual. After 6 months during implementation, qualitative interviews were conducted with biofeedback practitioners, i.e., staff nurses, examining acceptance and feasibility. Data analysis was conducted using either descriptive statistics or Mayring's qualitative content analysis. Results In total, 40 patients and 10 biofeedback practitioners were included. Quantitative questionnaires revealed high satisfaction and acceptance in patients regarding biofeedback treatment. Qualitative interviews showed high acceptance in biofeedback practitioners but revealed several challenges that were encountered during the implementation process, e.g., increased workload due to additional tasks, organizational and structural difficulties. However, biofeedback practitioners were enabled to expand their own competencies and take over a therapeutic part of the inpatient treatment. Discussion Even though patient satisfaction and staff motivation are high, the implementation of biofeedback in an inpatient unit requires special actions to be taken. Not only should personnel resources be planned and available in advance of implementation but also be the workflow for biofeedback practitioners as easy and quality of biofeedback treatment as high as possible. Consequently, the implementation of a manualized biofeedback treatment should be considered. Nevertheless, more research needs to be done about suitable biofeedback protocols for this patient clientele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Schmidt
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Drazena Barac-Dammeyer
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Axel Kowalski
- NeuroFit GmbH, Krefeld, Germany
- Department of Psychology, IB University of Applied Health and Social Sciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Per Teigelack
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Corinna Pfeiffer
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anita Robitzsch
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nora Dörrie
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Skoda
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Bäuerle
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Madeleine Fink
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro-and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Fink M, Pasche S, Schmidt K, Tewes M, Schuler M, Mülley BW, Schadendorf D, Scherbaum N, Kowalski A, Skoda EM, Teufel M. Neurofeedback Treatment Affects Affective Symptoms, But Not Perceived Cognitive Impairment in Cancer Patients: Results of an Explorative Randomized Controlled Trial. Integr Cancer Ther 2023; 22:15347354221149950. [PMID: 36691908 PMCID: PMC9893099 DOI: 10.1177/15347354221149950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND EEG biofeedback (NF) is an established therapy to enable individuals to influence their own cognitive-emotional state by addressing changes in brainwaves. Psycho-oncological approaches of NF in cancer patients are rare and effects are hardly studied. OBJECTIVE The aim of this explorative, randomized controlled trial was to test the effectiveness of an alpha and theta NF training protocol, compared to mindfulness based therapy as an established psycho-oncological treatment. METHODS Of initially 62 screened patients, 56 were included (inclusion criteria were cancer independent of tumor stage, age >18 years, German speaking; exclusion criteria suicidal ideation, brain tumor). Randomization and stratification (tumor stage) was conducted by a computer system. Participants got 10 sessions over 5 weeks, in (a) an NF intervention (n = 21; 13 female, 8 male; MAge = 52.95(10 519); range = 31 to 73 years)) or (b) a mindfulness group therapy as control condition (CG; n = 21; ie, 15 female, 6 male; MAge = 50.33(8708); range = 32 to 67 years)). Outcome parameters included self-reported cognitive impairment (PCI) as primary outcome, and secondary outcomes of emotional distress (DT, PHQ-8, GAD-7), fatigue (MFI-20), rumination (RSQ), quality of life (QoL, EORTC-30 QoL), self-efficacy (GSE), and changes in EEG alpha, and theta-beta band performance in the NF condition. RESULTS No changes in cognitive impairment were found (P = .079), neither in NF nor CG. High affective distress was evident, with 70.7% showing elevated distress and 34.1% showing severe depressive symptoms. Affective symptoms of distress (P ≤ .01), depression (P ≤ .05) and generalized anxiety (P ≤ .05) decreased significantly over time. No differences between NF and CG were found. There was a significant increase of the alpha band (P ≤ .05; N = 15) over the NF sessions. Self-efficacy predicted QoL increase in NF with P ≤ .001 and an explained variance of 48.2%. CONCLUSION This is the first study to investigate NF technique with regard to basic mechanisms of effectiveness in a sample of cancer patients, compared to an established psycho-oncological intervention in this field. Though there were no changes in cognitive impairment, present data show that NF improves affective symptoms comparably to mindfulness-based therapy and even more pronounced in QoL and self-efficacy.Trial registration: ID: DRKS00015773.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Fink
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Madeleine Fink, Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, Essen 45147, Germany. Emails: ;
| | | | | | - Mitra Tewes
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Schuler
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Partner Site University Hospital Essen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Essen, Germany
| | - Bernhard W. Mülley
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Axel Kowalski
- NeuroFit GmbH, Krefeld, Germany,IB University of Applied Health and Social Sciences, Berlin, Germany
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Ramezani A, Johnson M, Alvani SR, Odor A, Hosseinpoor S. The P3-model of perioperative psychological preparation: Pre-surgical and pre-medical procedural psychological preparation and psychophysiological interventions. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2022; 222:107468. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Weerdmeester J, van Rooij MMJW, Granic I. Visualization, Self-Efficacy, and Locus of Control in a Virtual Reality Biofeedback Video Game for Anxiety Regulation. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2022; 25:360-368. [PMID: 35612469 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to identify specific feedback mechanics and psychological processes that may contribute to positive outcomes in biofeedback applications for anxiety regulation. Specifically, using a dismantling study design, the unique impact of visualizations that directly mirror users' breathing was examined in relation to anxiety regulation as well as locus of control and self-efficacy. Following an anxiety induction, participants (N = 67) were randomly assigned to play one of two variations of a biofeedback video game. In both versions, players' in-game movement was contingent on their breathing; however, the experimental condition additionally included visualizations that directly mirrored players' breathing. Changes in self-reported state anxiety and physiological arousal were measured as well as the level of internal control and self-efficacy participants experienced while playing the game. Results showed that all participants were able to effectively reduce their anxiety and arousal, but no condition differences were found. Implementing mirroring visualizations did not contribute to individuals' ability to self-regulate nor their self-efficacy or locus of control above and beyond receiving feedback based on their in-game movement. Overall, individuals who experienced higher self-efficacy and a stronger internal locus of control were better able to regulate their anxiety, but no clear links were found with changes in self-reported physiological arousal. In light of these results, we recommend the continued exploration of the role of specific design choices and intervention components as well as underlying mechanisms of change in biofeedback interventions, especially pertaining to how individuals perceive themselves and their ability to change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanneke Weerdmeester
- Orthopedagogics: Family and Behaviour, Faculty of Social Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marieke M J W van Rooij
- Research Support Office, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Isabela Granic
- Health, Aging & Society, Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Effects of the Healing Beats Program among University Students after Exposure to a Source of Psychological Stress: A Randomized Control Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111716. [PMID: 34770227 PMCID: PMC8583196 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study is a randomized pre- and post-controlled trial to determine the effects of the Healing Beats program on anxiety, autonomic nervous balance, Bispectral (BIS) index, and heart rate among university students after exposure to a source of mental stress. Data were collected from candidates who volunteered from November 2018 to May 2019 in response to recruitment announcements. The analysis was performed using data of 99 participants in three groups: 32 in an experimental group, 35 in a placebo group, and 32 in a control group. The experimental group who received treatment via the Healing Beats program exhibited a significant effect on calming anxiety, autonomic nervous balance, BIS index, and heart rate, compared with the placebo group and the control group. The group interaction also showed a significant difference. The Healing Beats program can be used as an effective intervention for sedation in clinical situations or calmness in stressful situations in everyday life. Specifically, the Healing Beats program could serve as basic data for nursing interventions, according to the stability effect in stressful situations; it can also be applied to effective nursing practice as an initial study to confirm theoretical and practical indicators.
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Stasinaki A, Büchter D, Shih CHI, Heldt K, Güsewell S, Brogle B, Farpour-Lambert N, Kowatsch T, l'Allemand D. Effects of a novel mobile health intervention compared to a multi-component behaviour changing program on body mass index, physical capacities and stress parameters in adolescents with obesity: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:308. [PMID: 34243738 PMCID: PMC8266630 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02781-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Less than 2% of overweight children and adolescents in Switzerland can participate in multi-component behaviour changing interventions (BCI), due to costs and lack of time. Stress often hinders positive health outcomes in youth with obesity. Digital health interventions, with fewer on-site visits, promise health care access in remote regions; however, evidence for their effectiveness is scarce. Methods This randomized controlled not blinded trial (1:1) was conducted in a childhood obesity center in Switzerland. Forty-one youth aged 10–18 years with body mass index (BMI) > P.90 with risk factors or co-morbidities or BMI > P.97 were recruited. During 5.5 months, the PathMate2 group (PM) received daily conversational agent counselling via mobile app, combined with standardized counselling (4 on-site visits). Controls (CON) participated in a BCI (7 on-site visits). We compared the outcomes of both groups after 5.5 (T1) and 12 (T2) months. Primary outcome was reduction in BMI-SDS (BMI standard deviation score: BMI adjusted for age and sex). Secondary outcomes were changes in body fat and muscle mass (bioelectrical impedance analysis), waist-to-height ratio, physical capacities (modified Dordel-Koch-Test), blood pressure and pulse. Additionally, we hypothesized that less stressed children would lose more weight. Thus, children performed biofeedback relaxation exercises while stress parameters (plasma cortisol, stress questionnaires) were evaluated. Results At intervention start median BMI-SDS of all patients (18 PM, 13 CON) was 2.61 (obesity > + 2SD). BMI-SDS decreased significantly in CON at T1, but not at T2, and did not decrease in PM during the study. Muscle mass, strength and agility improved significantly in both groups at T2; only PM reduced significantly their body fat at T1 and T2. Average daily PM app usage rate was 71.5%. Cortisol serum levels decreased significantly after biofeedback but with no association between stress parameters and BMI-SDS. No side effects were observed. Conclusions Equally to BCI, PathMate2 intervention resulted in significant and lasting improvements of physical capacities and body composition, but not in sustained BMI-SDS decrease. This youth-appealing mobile health intervention provides an interesting approach for youth with obesity who have limited access to health care. Biofeedback reduces acute stress and could be an innovative adjunct to usual care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02781-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stasinaki
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - D Büchter
- Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - C-H I Shih
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K Heldt
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - S Güsewell
- Clinical Trials Unit, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - B Brogle
- Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - N Farpour-Lambert
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Nutrition and Therapeutic Patient Education, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Child and Youth School Health Service, Department of Education and Youth, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - T Kowatsch
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Institute of Technology Management, University of St.Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - D l'Allemand
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Schmidt J, Martin A. The Influence of Physiological and Psychological Learning Mechanisms in Neurofeedback vs. Mental Imagery Against Binge Eating. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2020; 45:293-305. [PMID: 32990891 PMCID: PMC7644525 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-020-09486-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In biofeedback research, the debate on physiological versus psychological learning has a long tradition and is still relevant today, regarding new developments of biofeedback for behavior modification. Analyzing the role of these learning mechanisms may help improving the protocols and answer the question, whether feedback of physiological functions is necessary to modify a target behavior. We explored the presence and impact of physiological (EEG changes) versus psychological learning (changes in somatic self-efficacy) in a recently developed EEG neurofeedback protocol for binge eating. The protocol targets a reduction of food-cue induced cortical arousal through regulation of EEG high beta activity. In an experimental study accompanying a randomized controlled trial, pre and post treatment EEG measurements were analyzed in a neurofeedback group (n = 18) and an active mental imagery control group without physiological feedback (n = 18). Physiological learning in terms of EEG high beta reduction only occurred in the neurofeedback group. Post treatment, participants with successfully reduced binge eating episodes (≥ 50% reduction) showed lower EEG high beta activity than unsuccessful participants (p = .02) after neurofeedback, but not after mental imagery. Further, lower EEG high beta activity at post-treatment predicted fewer binge eating episodes in neurofeedback only. In mental imagery, somatic self-efficacy predicted treatment success instead of EEG activity. Altogether, the results indicate that physiological changes serve as a specific treatment mechanism in neurofeedback against binge eating. Reducing cortical arousal may improve eating behaviors and corresponding neurofeedback techniques should therefore be considered in future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schmidt
- HSD Hochschule Döpfer University of Applied Sciences, Waidmarkt 3 & 9, 50676, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Alexandra Martin
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Combining Biofeedback with Stress Management Interventions: A Systematic Review of Physiological and Psychological Effects. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2020; 44:71-82. [PMID: 30604099 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-018-09427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Current mental healthcare systems experience difficulties meeting the challenges of a growing population with elevated stress symptoms. Outpatient stress management interventions have already proven to be effective in routine care and recent technological advances now allow to expand such interventions, for example by adding a physiological component like biofeedback. Adding biofeedback to stress management interventions appears promising, but there is a lack of insight into the general conceptualization and evaluation of the resulting interventions, both in relation to psychological and physiological stress indicators. A comprehensive literature search was performed to investigate stress management interventions with a biofeedback component. This systematic review provides an overview of these interventions and explores to what extent they can improve both physiological and psychological indicators of stress. Fourteen RCTs were included. A large diversity was observed in intervention design and effectiveness. Nevertheless, there is preliminary evidence that the use of biofeedback can improve both physiological and psychological indicators of stress. Biofeedback could provide an accessible and low-cost addition to stress interventions. Further research into the effectiveness of different components of biofeedback interventions is needed.
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Hetkamp M, Bender J, Rheindorf N, Kowalski A, Lindner M, Knispel S, Beckmann M, Tagay S, Teufel M. A Systematic Review of the Effect of Neurofeedback in Cancer Patients. Integr Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1534735419832361. [PMID: 30832518 PMCID: PMC6416750 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419832361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Neurofeedback (NF) or electroencephalogram (EEG)-Biofeedback is a drug-free form of brain training to directly alter the underlying neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior. It is a technique that measures a subject’s EEG signal, processes it in real time, with the goal to enable a behavioral modification by modulating brain activity. The most common application of the NF technology is in epilepsies, migraine, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, affective disorders, and psychotic disorders. Few studies have investigated the use of NF in context of psychosomatic illnesses. Little is known about the use in cancer patients or postcancer survivors despite the high number of this patient group. Objectives: We here provide a systematic review of the use and effect of NF on symptoms and burden in cancer patients and long-term cancer survivors. Methods: In conducting this systematic review, we followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Statement. Results: Our search resulted in only 3 experimental studies, 1 observational study, and 2 case reports. Given the heterogeneity of the intervention systems and protocols, no meta-analysis was conducted. Conclusion: Altogether, there is initial evidence that NF is a complementary, drug-free, and noninvasive therapy that has the potential to ameliorate symptoms in this patient group, such as pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep. Further studies are highly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Hetkamp
- 1 Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Bender
- 1 Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nadine Rheindorf
- 1 Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Axel Kowalski
- 2 Neurofit Academy for Therapy and Training, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Marion Lindner
- 1 Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sarah Knispel
- 3 Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mingo Beckmann
- 1 Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sefik Tagay
- 1 Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- 1 Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Blum J, Rockstroh C, Göritz AS. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Based on Slow-Paced Breathing With Immersive Virtual Reality Nature Scenery. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2172. [PMID: 31616353 PMCID: PMC6763967 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the benefits of using a virtual nature environment to administer immersive heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) based on slow-paced breathing. We compared the virtual reality (VR)-based HRV-BF with a standard implementation in a randomized controlled experiment with 60 healthy employees. After a cognitive stress induction, the participants performed a single-session of HRV-BF before repeating the cognitive stressor task. VR-based versus standard HRV-BF was comparable in terms of biofeedback performance (cardiac coherence and cardiac vagal tone). However, the VR-based implementation buffered perceived stress in the subsequent stressor task, increased relaxation self-efficacy more, reduced mind wandering, helped participants focus on the present moment, and helped preserve attentional resources. Potential long-term effects and generalizability need to be assessed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Blum
- Department of Occupational and Consumer Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Imperatori C, Mancini M, Della Marca G, Valenti EM, Farina B. Feedback-Based Treatments for Eating Disorders and Related Symptoms: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1806. [PMID: 30463330 PMCID: PMC6265864 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of biofeedback and neurofeedback has been investigated in a range of psychiatric disorders. However, to date, there are few studies on the clinical usefulness of feedback-based techniques for eating disorders (EDs) and EDs-related symptoms (e.g., food craving). A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and PsychINFO identified 162 articles. Among these, thirteen studies exploring the therapeutic use of biofeedback and neurofeedback in EDs or EDs-related symptoms were included. Biofeedback and neurofeedback were implemented respectively in five and eight of all reviewed articles. No studies incorporated different feedback modalities or both biofeedback and neurofeedback. The considered studies provide preliminary data of the usefulness of feedback-based techniques in the treatment of several dysfunctional eating behaviors (e.g., food craving, rumination). Although no significant effect has been reported for other important EDs-related symptoms (i.e., body image disturbance), feedback-based techniques are also associated with significant modifications of both sympathetic reaction to food-related stimuli and brain activity in several regions of the reward system (e.g., insula). Taken together the results of the present review suggest that feedback-based treatments may be useful in the treatment of several dysfunctional eating behaviors operating both on top-down and bottom-up individual coping strategies. Methodological and clinical issues are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Roma, Italy.
| | - Miranda Mancini
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Roma, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Sleep Disorders Unit, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, 00153 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Maria Valenti
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Roma, Italy.
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Roma, Italy.
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Biofeedback. PSYCHOTHERAPEUT 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00278-017-0193-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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13
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Reifegerste D, Wasgien K, Hagen LM. Online social support for obese adults: Exploring the role of forum activity. Int J Med Inform 2017; 101:1-8. [PMID: 28347439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Worldwide, the number of obese persons continues to grow. Online-mediated self-help groups represent an opportunity for obese persons to support each other. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether and how the use of and active participation in online self-help groups is associated with perceived informational and emotional support among obese adults. METHODS We conducted an online-based questionnaire (N=230) with users of online self-help groups for obese adults in Germany. RESULTS Findings revealed that forum activity is significantly correlated with perceived informational and emotional support. While asking questions was strongly correlated with both types of social support, sharing opinions and answering posts were more strongly correlated with perceived emotional support. CONCLUSION The level of social support in online communities depends on an individual's forum activity. Our findings offer a foundation for professionals in the health care sector to enhance their understanding, make recommendations, and further develop online self-help groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Reifegerste
- Department of Journalism and Communication Research, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Germany.
| | - Katrin Wasgien
- Institute of Media and Communication, University of Technology Dresden, Germany
| | - Lutz M Hagen
- Institute of Media and Communication, University of Technology Dresden, Germany
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Schmidt J, Martin A. Neurofeedback Reduces Overeating Episodes in Female Restrained Eaters: A Randomized Controlled Pilot-Study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2015; 40:283-95. [DOI: 10.1007/s10484-015-9297-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Frank S, Kullmann S, Veit R. Food related processes in the insular cortex. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:499. [PMID: 23986683 PMCID: PMC3750209 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The insular cortex is a multimodal brain region with regional cytoarchitectonic differences indicating various functional specializations. As a multisensory neural node, the insular cortex integrates perception, emotion, interoceptive awareness, cognition, and gustation. Regarding the latter, predominantly the anterior part of the insular cortex is regarded as the primary taste cortex. In this review, we will specifically focus on the involvement of the insula in food processing and on multimodal integration of food-related items. Influencing factors of insular activation elicited by various foods range from calorie-content to the internal physiologic state, body mass index or eating behavior. Sensory perception of food-related stimuli including seeing, smelling, and tasting elicits increased activation in the anterior and mid-dorsal part of the insular cortex. Apart from the pure sensory gustatory processing, there is also a strong association with the rewarding/hedonic aspects of food items, which is reflected in higher insular activity and stronger connections to other reward-related areas. Interestingly, the processing of food items has been found to elicit different insular activation in lean compared to obese subjects and in patients suffering from an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN)). The knowledge of functional differences in the insular cortex opens up the opportunity for possible noninvasive treatment approaches for obesity and eating disorders. To target brain functions directly, real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback offers a state-of-the-art tool to learn to control the anterior insular cortex activity voluntarily. First evidence indicates that obese adults have an enhanced ability to regulate the anterior insular cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Frank
- 1Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen Tübingen, Germany ; 2fMEG Center, University of Tübingen Tübingen, Germany
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