Dynamics of reactions of nonspecific and somatic activation during biofeedback training

In experimental research involving the participation of 17 volunteers, we investigated the dynamics associated with indices of respiration, electromyographic activity of the hand muscles, heart rate, and electroencephalograms during training of voluntary upward and downward regulation of skin resistance and skin temperature. It was demonstrated that development of reactions of nonspecific, generalized activation appearing in the form of respiratory arrhythmia and, in a number of cases, in the form of changes in the frequency of respiration, heart rate, and an intensification of beta-activity were characteristic of the initial stages of the training. In a number of the subjects, we also noted activation of muscle groups in the areas where the sensing elements monitoring the vegetative parameters were attached. The activational reactions extinguished during reinforcement of the skill. The data obtained confirms the hypothesis that the training of adaptive biocontrol is a form of instrumental conditioning.