The control issue in biofeedback training

Well-delineated models and procedural descriptions are noticeably missing from the clinical biofeedback literature dealing with the training of physiological self-control. As a consequence, optimal protocols for the assessment and training of self-control of physiological functions have not eventuated. The present article reviews evidence suggesting that researchers have (a) confused self-control training, assessment, and measurement of tonic response levels, (b) neglected to determine the degree of acquired physiological self-control, and (c) failed to report the relationship between level of acquired physiological control and clinical outcome. The article also proposes an assessment and training paradigm that may be useful in reducing these methodological problems in future biofeedback research.