Biofeedback and Essential Hypertension: Current Findings and Theoretical Concerns.
Abstract
By providing normotensive and hypertensive subjects with feedback for relative increases or decreases in blood pressure and rewarding these changes, they can learn to exert some control over their pressure. Research on self regulation of systolic and diastolic pressure, heart rate, and patterns of these functions through biofeedback training are reviewed, and a general model of pattern learning is described. Application of these techniques to the control of systolic and diastolic pressure in patients diagnosed with essential hypertension are presented and critically analyzed. Problems of expectancy and motivation, personality and life style, and biological constraints are emphasized. It is concluded that biofeedback techniques should be viewed as only one part of a combined behavioral treatment program for hypertensive patients. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0771726
Entities
People
- David J. Shapiro
- Gary E. Schwartz
Organizations
- Harvard Medical School