Tools of behavioral medicine: applications of biofeedback treatment for children and adolescents

This article reviews the role of biofeedback as a tool in behavioral medicine with applications for children and adolescents. Biofeedback as a method for enhancing self-regulation and criteria for prescribing biofeedback interventions are detailed. Clinical and research investigations are reviewed to demonstrate the usefulness of biofeedback in a variety of clinical situations: headache, asthma, hyperactivity, skeletal and smooth muscle dysfunctions, anxiety states, and emotional disorders. Practical guidelines are presented for improving the effectiveness of biofeedback training procedures within a clinical setting and for improving generalization of training to the child's daily life.