The effect of instructions on cognitive strategies and performance in biofeedback

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted in which 40 subjects, randomly assigned to four groups, were given differing instructions about using auditory biofeedback to lower forehead muscle tension. During each of three sessions, measures were taken of forehead electromyograph (EMG) and ability to discriminate and control muscle tension in order to measure learning during biofeedback. Cognitive strategies used by subjects were measured by taped verbal reports which were judged using four criteria based on two models of learning in biofeedback: "feedforward" and "feedback." Data were analyzed by chi-square, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and content analysis. Results indicate that subjects used predominantly a feedforward type of learning strategy in all four groups. Implications for teaching during biofeedback are discussed.

The role of the feedforward paradigm in cognitive psychology

“…La Croix (1981) reported that ''regardless of number of sessions, feedback processes in biofeedback, although possible, will only rarely occur''. The studies of Sharon Utz (1994) and Dunn et al (1986) corroborated that hypothesis. In the Dunn et al (1986) study verbal protocols were analysed in order to determine how people behave during a biofeedback session aimed to control the muscle tension, measured by means of an electromyograph.…”

Closed-loop brain training: the science of neurofeedback

“…Indeed, self-regulation was possible only when the experimenters suggested the strategies that were related to the functional role of the ROIs. Conflicts in older EEG neuro feedback literature can be found regarding whether mental strategies or no strategies at all lead to the most successful control of the feedback signal [74][75][76][77] .…”

Manipulating motor performance and memory through real-time fMRI neurofeedback

“…it cannot explain how bidirectional control of the ROIs was achieved. Other feedback studies using electroencephalography (EEG) or physiological signals like heart-rate found evidence for the involvement of explicit cognitive control strategies, but also of more implicit operant conditioning based on reinforcement provided by the feedback ( Dunn, Gillig, Ponsor, Weil, & Utz, 1986; Kotchoubey, Kubler, Strehl, Flor, & Birbaumer, 2002; Lacroix & Roberts, 1978; Neumann, Kubler, Kaiser, Hinterberger, & Birbaumer, 2003; Roberts, Birbaumer, Rockstroh, Lutzenberger, & Elbert, 1989; Roberts, Williams, Marlin, Farrell, & Imiolo, 1984; Schober & Lacroix, 1986; Siniatchkin, Kropp, & Gerber, 2000 ; Utz, 1987, 1994 ). Operant conditioning based neurofeedback has even been used to train volitional control of the activity of single neurons in animals ( Fetz, 1969, 2007; Olds, 1965 ).…”