Dynamic Processes in Regulation and Some Implications for Biofeedback and Biobehavioral Interventions

Abstract

Systems theory has long been applied in psychology, biology, and sociology. This paper applies newer methods of control systems modeling to the assessment of system stability in health and disease. Control systems can be characterized as open or closed systems with feedback loops. Feedback produces oscillatory activity, and the complexity of naturally occurring oscillatory patterns reflects the multiplicity of feedback mechanisms, such that many mechanisms operate simultaneously to control the system. Unstable systems, often associated with poor health, are characterized by absence of oscillation, random noise, or a very simple pattern of oscillation. This modeling approach can be applied to a diverse range of phenomena, including cardiovascular and brain activity, mood and thermal regulation, and social system stability. External system stressors such as disease, psychological stress, injury, or interpersonal conflict may perturb a system, yet simultaneously stimulate oscillatory processes and exercise control mechanisms. Resonance can occur in systems with negative feedback loops, causing high-amplitude oscillations at a single frequency. Resonance effects can be used to strengthen modulatory oscillations, but may obscure other information and control mechanisms, and weaken system stability. Positive as well as negative feedback loops are important for system function and stability. Examples are presented of oscillatory processes in heart rate variability, and regulation of autonomic, thermal, pancreatic and central nervous system processes, as well as in social/organizational systems such as marriages and business organizations. Resonance in negative feedback loops can help stimulate oscillations and exercise control reflexes, but also can deprive the system of important information. Empirical hypotheses derived from this approach are presented, including that moderate stress may enhance health and functioning.

Biofeedback as Prophylaxis for Pediatric Migraine: A Meta-analysis

“…6 Biofeedback reduces cortical excitability and affects resonance and oscillations of essential feedback loops in the central nervous system. 7,8 The most frequently used modalities in biofeedback treatment are peripheral skin temperature, blood-volumepulse, and electromyography.…”

Immediate and Complex Cardiovascular Adaptation to an Acute Alcohol Dose

“…Interest in biological variability has exploded over the past decade, with significant literature now focusing on neural (Wang, 2010) and cardiovascular (Lehrer and Eddie, 2013; Rickards and Tzeng, 2014) oscillations. Greater variability in biological functions is generally thought to demonstrate more intact regulatory systems that are appropriately detecting and dynamically responding to perturbation (Kitano, 2004; Lehrer and Eddie, 2013; Thayer and Lane, 2000).…”

Combining LORETA Z-Score Neurofeedback with Heart Rate Variability Training

“…HRV is a completely different phenomenon. It is an oscillating and not a tonic measurement (Lehrer & Eddie, 2013). It is said to be the only means we have to obtain a simple measurement of the parasympathetic portion of the ANS.…”

“…Health is tightly related to oscillatory systems (Lehrer & Eddie, 2013). Oscillations in vagal input are the main system for controlling oscillations in the HR.…”

“…We have already noted that the healthy beating heart is the principle component of an oscillating system called the CVS (Lehrer & Eddie, 2013). When the resonant frequency is achieved during HRV training, the clinician will note almost perfect synchrony between inspiration and an increase in the HR and between expiration and a decrease in HR.…”