Reduction of blood pressure by indirect biofeedback.
Forty-five randomly assigned subjects served in either a relaxation control, an EMG plus thermal, or a thermal biofeedback group. All groups received the same relaxation manipulation. Experimental results demonstrated a significant drop in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure for the feedback treatment. Diastolic measures showed a somewhat greater decrease for the EMG plus thermal treatment condition. A learning effect was demonstrated both within and across the three experimental sessions. Given that the sample was normotensive, the 20% reduction in blood pressure was notable. The results support the idea that blood pressure biofeedback is not a necessary condition for reduction of arterial blood pressure.
D000328:Adult; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D001794:Blood Pressure; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012881:Skin Temperature