Biofeedback

A therapeutic technique in which individuals are presented with real-time measurements of their physiological variables — such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, muscle tension, or brain waves — to help them learn to regulate these functions. In accessibility contexts, biofeedback has been used to help people with COPD monitor their oxygen levels during exercise, reducing anxiety by providing objective evidence that their body is responding safely to exertion. Biofeedback can also assist with breathing retraining, anxiety management, and building body awareness for people with various chronic conditions. The presentation of physiological data requires careful design, as showing biometric values can either reassure or increase anxiety depending on the individual's experience and stage of disease acceptance.