Current Applications of Biofeedback Technology to the Problems of Children and Youth

The ability of people to self-regulate physiological functioning through the use of sophisticated biofeedback instrumentation has been well-documented in the past 10 years. This article reviews the current theory and techniques of biofeedback, and summarizes the use of such procedures with handicapped and normal children and youth. Resources for parents, counselors, and educators are provided. Biofeedback techniques have been used with children as young as six years of age. The level of intellectual functioning does not appear to be a contraindicating factor. Temperature and electromyographic biofeedback training have been used successfully with handicapped children. The effectiveness of electroencephalographic training has not yet been well-documented.