What Can Biofeedback Instruments Measure?

• EMG – Electromyograph – Measures Muscle Tension/Contraction
• Skin Temperature – Measures Skin Surface Temperature (changes based on vasoconstriction or dilation, indicates peripheral blood flow)
• Skin Conductance – Measures Sweat Activity (indicates emotional reactivity)
• EEG – Electroencephalography (Brainwave)
• Respiration – Breathing Activity
• Heart Rate/Heart Rate Variability
• Blood Pressure (Systolic, Diastolic, Mean Arterial)

What is the Difference between Computer Based and Stand-Alone Instruments?

Stand-Alone Instruments
Stand-Alone instruments usually cost less than computer based instruments. They may only measure one or two channels of one modality. Some other instruments only give live feedback but don’t include a statistics feature.

Pros: Stand-alone instruments are more portable than computer based instruments. They are less expensive than full computer based systems. They don’t require a computer (this also reduces the expense). They tend to be less complex to operate.

Cons: Stand-alone instruments usually only measure one or two channels of one modality. Stand-alone instruments can end up being more expensive if you need multiple modalities. The feedback options are limited. Stand alone instruments have limited or no statistics available. They usually don’t offer paper printout of statistics.

For a list of stand-alone instruments from our catalog.

Computer Based Instruments
Computer Based Instruments tend to cost more than stand-alone instruments. They usually measure two or more modalities. Computer based instruments cost less per channel. You can purchase a single computer based system that allows you to record EEG, EMG, Temperature, Skin Conductance, Heart Rate and Respiration for as low as $1,995. A single channel stand-alone instrument can cost $850. Computer based instruments give more variety of visual and audio feedback. They also allow storing session data as well as graphic and statistical printouts that are useful for showing patient progress and reporting to insurance companies and referral sources.

Pros: Better visual and audio feedback. They are less expensive per channel.

Cons: They cannot be used without a computer. They cost more compared to a single channel instrument. All instruments are in one unit so that it is more difficult to work with multiple clients at the same time with one system. They are more complex to operate.

For a list of computer based systems from our catalog, click here.