Electrogastrographic biofeedback: a technique for enhancing normal gastric activity

Biofeedback has been used effectively for approximately 40 years as a technique to help individuals learn to control muscle activity, brain waves, certain autonomic nervous system responses such as heart rate and blood pressure, and, more recently, constipation and fecal and urinary incontinence. In the present study, biofeedback of electrogastrographic (EGG) activity was used to determine the extent to which healthy subjects could increase normal 3 cpm gastric myoelectric activity. Thirteen experimental participants were provided with biofeedback of their EGG activity on a computer screen, and instructed to try to make their own EGG signal match a simulated 3 cpm signal that was also present on the screen. Subjects were told to relax using various forms of imagery, and to heighten their awareness of their stomach activity. Thirteen control participants did not receive any biofeedback but were otherwise given the same instructions. Both groups showed an increase in 3 cpm activity while relaxing. However, over four trials separated by 2-7 days, experimental participants showed an increased percentage of 3 cpm activity during biofeedback sessions, while control participants showed a decrease in 3 cpm activity during the corresponding sessions. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that healthy subjects can increase their normal gastric 3 cpm activity with the use of EGG biofeedback.