Abstract
The EMG is used most a lot as an index of feedback, and it is applied widely. In most of the cases the modality used heretofore in biofeedback therapy has been decided uniformly by disease unit based on its pathology. However, there are patients in whom this relationship proves ineffective and also many cases with psychosomatic disorder for whom decision cannot be readily be made on what modality should be used due to the presence of various symptoms. The authors have pointed out in their previous reports that the therapeutic effects of biofeedback therapy do not depend on diagnosis and disease type, and that biofeedback therapy is not effective unless the feedback indices accurately reflect the pathology of the patient and unless the case possesses not only sufficient margin for learning in the direction toward the desired goal but also physiological responsiveness. From these standpoints, the authors were made to feedback multiple physiological indices (multi-site and multi-modal feedback; e.g. plural EMGs/EMGs and skin temperature) at the same time. With the multi feedback system, it is possible for a patient to select a modality or modalities freely which s/he can easily control. When the patient feels difficulty to continue the practice with the response s/he chose, then s/he can try another modality and continues the practice. This flexibility might lessen the patient's burden due to the unsuccessful practice and might motivate her/him to continue the practice. This clinical benefit of the multi feedback was confirmed in previous study. This report introduces a practical use method and a therapeutic contrivance of EMG biofeedback as such a relaxation method.
