Template for Developing Guidelines for the Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Psychophysiological Interventions

Abstract

PREAMBLEThe charge to the Efficacy Template Task Force requires the development of a template that will assist the Efficacy and Practice Guideline Panels in their review of the literature related to the clinical efficacy of psychophysiological interventions. The Panels will be required to use accepted scientific and clinical standards for determining whether a beneficial effect of treatment can be demonstrated. This document is intended as the template that will serve as a guideline for the Panels' task. The ultimate goal is that of developing meaningful efficacy databases and practice guidelines for such interventions.This task force was created as a collaborative effort by two professional societies (Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback or AAPB; Society for Neuronal Regulation or SNR) to assist in providing a systematic framework for comprehensiveness and consistency in that endeavor. The guidelines that eventuate will, to the best extent

Biofeedback Treatment for Functional Anorectal Disorders: A Comprehensive Efficacy Review

“…Finally, an overall efficacy rating for BF treatment of each of the three functional anorectal disorders was performed using published standard guidelines for evaluation of clinical efficacy of psychophysiological interventions (La Vaque et al, 2002).…”

“…According to the AAPB/SNR efficacy rating guidelines (La Vaque et al, 2002), a treatment for a particular condition of interest can only be rated as "efficacious," which is Level 4 in the hierarchical rating system for evidence for treatment efficacy, when the following six criteria are met (paraphrased here from the published guidelines); a. The experimental treatment has been found in randomized studies to be statistically significantly superior or equal to a control group (no treatment, alternative treatment, or placebo group); b.…”

“…In light of the many uncontrolled studies with high success rates in adult samples, however, we assigned BF for adult PFD or functional constipation the efficacy rating of "Level 3-probably efficacious." This rating requires, according to the AAPB/SNR guidelines, "Multiple observational studies, clinical studies, waitlist-controlled studies and within subject and intrasubject replication studies that demonstrate efficacy" (La Vaque et al, 2002).…”

“…We assigned this application of BF the rating of "Level 2-possibly efficacious," which requires "at least one study of sufficient statistical power with well-defined outcome measures, but lacking randomized assignment to a control condition internal to the study" (La Vaque et al, 2002). We felt that this criterion was met mostly due to the study of Grimaud and colleagues (1991).…”

EEG Biofeedback as a Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: Review, Rating of Efficacy and Recommendations for Further Research

“…The Guidelines for Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Psychophysiological Interventions (LaVaque et al, 2002), which have been accepted by AAPB and ISNR, specify five types of classification for the effectiveness of biofeedback procedures, ranging from ''not empirically supported'' to ''efficacious and specific.'' The requirements for each classification level are summarized in brief next.…”