Neurological disorders
- brain injuries
- conditions following a stroke
- migraine headaches
NORMAN — specialised neurological rehabilitation for 30 years.Biofeedback and its therapeutic applications
This page explains what biofeedback is, who it can help and what such training looks like in practice. It is a gentle introduction to a method that supports how the brain works and improves concentration.
How the method works
Biofeedback is brain training based on feedback
Biofeedback is short for the English term meaning biological feedback. It is a modern method designed to improve how the brain works.
The device was initially used by NASA engineers in exercises with astronauts and pilots to improve their ability to concentrate in demanding conditions and to perform effectively despite intense stress.
Over time, it turned out that biofeedback is also very helpful in therapeutic work. Today, equipment for running such sessions can be found in many hospitals, as well as in therapy and rehabilitation centres.
In practice, you learn to recognise and reinforce the desired states of concentration, calm or emotional control by observing your own body’s responses presented as a graph, animation, film or game.
On this page you will find
- an explanation of what biofeedback is and where the method came from
- information on who biofeedback training most often helps
- a step-by-step description of how a session unfolds
- the key links to rehabilitation programmes and supporting pages
Who it is for
Who is this method for?
Biofeedback therapy is used both for patients with specific disorders and for healthy people who want to improve their concentration or cope better with stress.
Psychiatric disorders
- anorexia and bulimia
- depression
- anxiety disorders
- psychomotor agitation
- schizophrenia and psychoses
- addictions, including alcohol dependence
Psychological disorders
- ADHD
- autism
- dyslexia and dysgraphia
- sleep disorders
- attention and concentration difficulties
- memory problems
Healthy people
- improving memory
- improving concentration
- reducing emotional tension
- building resilience to stress
- better control over emotions
- improving self-control and effectiveness at work
How the therapy works
What does biofeedback training look like?
A biofeedback session is carried out in stages. First we gather information about the patient and take a measurement, and only then do we move on to the actual training.
Before the training
- Before the training, it is advisable not to drink caffeinated beverages such as coffee or energy drinks.
The start of a biofeedback session
- The session begins with an interview with the patient and/or their carer.
- The aim of the conversation is to gather as much information as possible that is relevant to the therapy.
The next stage
- Next, electrodes are attached so that an EEG measurement can be taken.
- Readings are taken with the eyes open, the eyes closed and during concentration.
- The results of the assessment are presented and discussed by the therapist.
The main session
- You train the desired state, for example concentration, using feedback presented as a graph, animation, film or game.
- The session is tailored to your individual interests, which makes the training more engaging and personalised.
- Reaching the desired state is rewarded by the programme, and the brain learns to optimise the way it works.
How it works
Brain waves and non-invasive training of how the brain works
Biofeedback does not involve acting on the patient passively. It is a method in which you learn to consciously influence your own responses by observing a clear feedback signal.
Our brain emits waves of different frequencies. Thanks to an EEG biofeedback assessment, we can create a map of the brain’s biological activity and check which ranges of waves are too low and which exceed diagnostic norms.
There are no good or bad brain waves. Each of them is linked to a different activity or state. They are often compared to the gears in a car, because just as you choose the right gear to match the engine while driving, in biofeedback we learn to match brain activity to the task.
What is essential to this method is its completely non-invasive nature. Using the feedback derived from the processed EEG measurement, you learn to refine how your brain works, and thanks to its plasticity it is possible to consolidate beneficial changes within the neural networks.
Our Services
Related programmes and technologies
On our original live site, biofeedback was presented as part of a wider offer of neurological rehabilitation and modern technologies. We keep that context here as well.
Important Pages
Helpful materials and pages worth visiting
These are the most important supporting and organisational links from the original live site.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about biofeedback
Is biofeedback an invasive method?
No. It is a completely non-invasive method. The electrodes are used to measure brain activity, and you work on the basis of the feedback presented by the programme.
Can biofeedback be part of rehabilitation after a stroke?
Yes. On this page, biofeedback is described, among other things, as a method used with patients who have had a stroke, supporting work on concentration, memory and the regulation of brain function.
What does the first session look like?
It usually begins with a conversation with the patient or carer, then an EEG measurement is taken, and afterwards the therapist discusses the results and moves on to the actual training tailored to your needs.
The next step
Let's talk
We are here to answer any questions you may have about the rehabilitation process.
Describe your case
Send us the details of the patient's condition and we will assess them from a therapeutic perspective.
Email consultation
Write to us describing the condition and the patient's current state of health. We will reply with our view of your situation in the context of rehabilitation.
Video of the patient
You can send us a video showing the patient's current condition. We will respond to your situation and explain the therapeutic options available.