Abstract: Manual biofeedback is applicable for clinical use with some components as a beneficial lifestyle routine. These approaches include simple, low-cost, effective methods that can be applied quickly in the clinical setting with the potential to provide rapid and significant improvements in physical and mental health. Three separate types of manual biofeedback are detailed:
1) EMG-type biofeedback employs manual muscle testing and is useful for both assessment and treatment of brain, spinal cord, and local injuries that cause sensorimotor deficits associated with neuromuscular dysfunction;
2) EEG-type manual respiratory biofeedback addresses brain and body function through the promotion of alpha brain waves using short (~5-minute) deep-breathing exercise sessions shown to improve cardiovascular and autonomic function with potentially far-reaching health effects; and
3) Heart rate exercise training is a biofeedback approach employing simple wearable technology to help prevent physical, biochemical, and mental-emotional stress common in sports, while improving fitness performance and reducing the accumulation of excess body fat that raises the risk of chronic disease and infection.
Manual versions of tradition biofeedback are directly relevant and applicable to various clinical practice approaches including in-office patient care, rehabilitation, follow-up in-home care, and lifestyle recommendations. With the capability to influence a wide range of brain and body health and fitness, manual biofeedback is a low-cost, timesaving natural approach. In addition to a potential clinical research topic, it also has important healthcare and public health implications. Manual biofeedback can complement many types of manual therapies and play a role in
preventative care.
Author keywords: EMG - EEG - Neurofeedback - Manual biofeedback - Manual muscle testing - Respiratory feedback - Heart rate training
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