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The learning process in biofeedback: Is it feed-forward or feedback?

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Abstract

Twenty participants responded to inquiries about strategies used, and thoughts during, each of three electromyograph biofeedback sessions. The purpose of the study was to learn more about what individuals report doing during biofeedback and, specifically, to determine if individuals construct a response using feedback to sense subtle differences in muscle tension (feedback processes), or select a response from an existing repertoire using feedback primarily for confirmation (feed-forward processes). Protocol analyses found considerable support for feed-forward processes and little support for feedback processes. Such results are important because early reliance on feedforward processes may result in limited control and limited transfer.

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Dunn, T.G., Gillig, S.E., Ponsor, S.E. et al. The learning process in biofeedback: Is it feed-forward or feedback?. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 11, 143–156 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00999982

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00999982

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