Biofeedback Center | Idaho State University

Stress Management and Biofeedback Center

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback uses instruments and software to measure physiological signals from our body such as heart rate, breathing, muscle activity, sweat, and temperature to assist in learning important skills such as relaxation or tension reduction. Many of these natural signals in our body are ignored until we develop a significant problem such as chronic stress, anxiety, or pain. Biofeedback can help increase awareness to our body's response and, with training, improve our ability to regulate emotions and promote well-being. Through monitoring our body's reactions and with consistent practice we are able to develop effective responses to stress.Biofeedback uses instruments to measure biological signals from our body such as heart rate, breathing, muscle activity, sweat, and temperature to train important skills such as relaxation or tension reduction. Most of these natural signals in our body are ignored until we develop a problem such as stress, anxiety, or pain. Biofeedback can increase awareness to our body's response and improve our ability to regulate emotion and promote wellbeing. Through monitoring our body's reactions and consistent practice we are able to develop effective responses to stress.

For more information, review the slides on: How Biofeedback Can Help You

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NOTE TO ISU INSTRUCTORS

Please contact our staff at least 3-4 weeks in advance if you are interested in having a presentation in your class about biofeedback or if you would like to schedule a tour of the Biofeedback Center (no more than 12 students). Please do not assign your students to complete a biofeedback appointment as part of a class assignment. Our availability for biofeedback training is limited and should be reserved for students interested and needing biofeedback training.

What are the Benefits Associated with Biofeedback?

Improve awareness of our mind and body
Promote relaxation in response to stress
Decrease tension, pain, or emotional dysregulation
Improve sleep and overall health
Reduce anxiety, stress, or depression

What Can I Expect on my First Biofeedback Appointment?

You will be asked to complete a few brief forms about your health and stress-related concerns. You will then collaborate with your biofeedback trainer to develop a plan to meet your goals for biofeedback training. Most individuals begin by completing a stress assessment to determine how your body responds to mild stressful situations and a relaxation profile which helps us see which biofeedback techniques may be most helpful for you. The next training sessions (typically 2-4) will focus on devleoping specific skills for relaxation or tension reduction utilizing one or several of the following techniques.

Where is the Biofeedback Center Located?

The Stress Management and Biofeedback Center on the Pocatello campus is located next to the Bengal Pharmacy in the Student Health Center. In Idaho Falls, services are provided through Counseling Testing and Career Services in the Bennion Student Union.

Pocatello Campus

University Counseling and Testing Service

Graveley Hall 351

(208) 282-2130

Idaho Falls Campus

Counseling Testing and Career Services

Bennion Student Union - Room 223

(208) 282-7750

What Biofeedback Systems will I use?

ProComp Infiniti by Thought Technology

This system allows us to record breathing, heart rate, muscle activity, sweat, and temperature simultaneously to complete stress and relaxation profiles as well as provide in-depth biofeedback training.

EmWave by HeartMath

Bring your heart, mind, and emotions in balance by monitoring you heart rhythms and finding your optimal breathing rate through Heart Rate Variability training. What is HRV?