The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional relationship between the combined biofeedback, open focus, self-regulation technique and the physiological variables of oxygen consumption (l/m), heart rate (bpm), and systolic blood pressure (mm Hg) measured during a steady-state work condition. / Four university volunteer subjects, two males (ages 29 and 31) and two females (ages 26 and 29), were recruited. A variation of a multiple baseline across subjects design was used to establish a clear and stable baseline. Subjects were given a 20-session biofeedback open focus attention training treatment following the baseline sessions. Electromyographic and temperature feedback were given during the feedback sessions, in which a criterion of 1.5 microvolt mean, 95(DEGREES)F finger temperature mean, and 90(DEGREES)F toe temperature mean was established to demonstrate acquisition of the skill. / Subjects were retested at the same baseline workload after the 20-session training. Results were displayed graphically and the percentage reductions between baseline and the final testing were as follows: Heart rate--subject A, 3%; subject B, 6%; subject C, 11%; subject D, 14%. Oxygen consumption--subject A, 7%; subject B, 14%; subject C, 13%; subject D, 13%. Systolic blood pressure--subject A, 4%; subject B, 13%; subject C, 9%; subject D, 11%. The results indicated all but subject A had significantly improved the efficiency of pedaling the bicycle ergometer. / The proposed physiological mechanism for the biofeedback self-regulation process may be seen as organization by means of attentional cortical open focusing leading to bilateral brain hemisphere synchrony; this, in turn, promotes trophotropic processes of the limbic and midbrain area, normalizing the regulatory centers of the hypothalamus, autonomic nervous system, and reticular activating system. The net result of this process of functional normalization through synchrony training is a state of homeostasis facilitating optimal functioning. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 41-10, Section: B, page: 3927. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1980.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_74331 |
| Contributors | POWERS, CARL JOHN., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 275 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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