Physiology Lessons

for use with the

Biopac Student Lab

PC under Windows 95/98/NT 4.0/2000

or Macintosh

Lesson 14

BIOFEEDBACK
Relaxation and Arousal

Manual Revision
08232001.PL3.6.6-ML3.0.7

Richard Pflanzer, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Indiana University School of Medicine
Purdue University School of Science

J.C. Uyehara, Ph.D.

Biologist
BIOPAC Systems, Inc.

William McMullen
Vice President
BIOPAC Systems, Inc.

BIOPAC Systems, Inc.

42 Aero Camino, Santa Barbara, CA 93117

(805) 685-0066, Fax (805) 685-0067

Email: info@biopac.com
Web Site: http://www.biopac.com

Faster
Heart
Rate
Slower

Higher
GSR
Arousal
Level
Lower

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Biopac Student Lab

I. INTRODUCTION
Recently, there has been a renewed interest in mind-body interactions. There are many processes in the
body in which you exert voluntary control. For example, if you want a glass of water, you move your
body and go through the motions to take out a glass, fill it with water, and drink. You are consciously
aware of the motions that are under your voluntary control. However, once you start to swallow the
drink of water, you are not usually aware of the regulatory processes which follow automatically (e.g.,
you secrete saliva, rhythmical constrictions in the esophagus move the water down to the stomach, the
stomach starts churning, etc).
These processes are regulated by the autonomic nervous system and do not require conscious control by
the cerebral cortex. Muscle movement to obtain a drink of water involves some voluntary controls
(wherein your brain and body interact in a loop between sensory reinforcement of movement and the
brain) but there is usually no loop of feedback between consciousness and the involuntary actions
regulated by the autonomic nervous system, e.g., actions of the gastrointestinal tract.
The autonomic nervous system has two regulatory divisions, which can affect the same organs or tissues
but exert contrasting effects:
sympathetic division short-term response to acute stress, fight-or-flight response
parasympathetic division daily routine maintenance of homeostasis
For example, both systems are constantly regulating heart rate, but when the parasympathetic system
dominates, the heart rate is lower than when the sympathetic nervous system dominates.
Essentially, biofeedback completes the loop between autonomic functions and conscious awareness.
Biofeedback training is a learning process whereby people exert conscious control over physiological
processes controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Biofeedback instruments unobtrusively monitor
physiological functions (e.g., heart rate) and provide feedback in real time. The equipment provides
feedback using a signal that changes with the monitored variable. The person can then use the signal to
enhance the desired response.
With biofeedback training, people have been able to regulate many processes: lower
heart rate; lower blood pressure, control headaches, and manage responses to
stressful situations. For example, biofeedback training has been shown to be effective
for controlling hypertension or high blood pressure.
One training method consists of a hand warming response that is, the
biofeedback signal is associated with the temperature of the hands. What does hand
warming have to do with high blood pressure? Well, blood pressure is a result of
cardiac output (volume output of the heart per minute) and peripheral resistance.
Peripheral resistance is inversely proportional to the amount of blood flow to the
periphery. Because blood is warmed in the body, when blood flow to the skin
increases, the skin is warmer. Therefore, warmer hands signify increased blood flow
that occurred when peripheral resistance and blood pressure decreased.

Biofeedback training has also been used to teach stress management techniques. In physiological terms,
relaxation using biofeedback training teaches people to activate specific controls of the parasympathetic
part of the autonomic nervous system, e.g., to lower heart rate. At the same time, biofeedback can be used
to decrease activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
The galvanic skin response (GSR) or electrodermal activity is one variable traditionally associated with
sympathetic nervous system activity. The galvanic skin response is affected by sweat gland activity and
skin responses on the palmar surface of the hand. Unlike the heart, the sweat glands are only activated by

Lesson 14: Biofeedback

Page 3

sympathetic activity. If the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is highly aroused, then
sweat gland activity increases and consequently, so does GSR. Because of this association, the GSR is
traditionally used as an index of sympathetic activity. When a person is relaxed, then the GSR should be
low.
GSR has been used as a measure of emotional and sympathetic response. For
biofeedback purposes, however, the relationship of GSR response as an index of
sympathetic activity is complex for many reasons. GSR responses are delayed
1-3 seconds. Responses are not consistent when given the same stimulus level.
External factors, e.g., temperature and humidity, affect GSR measurements,
adding to inconsistent results. Internal factors, e.g., medications, can change
GSR measurements. A final complication is that the neurotransmitter for palmar
sweat glands is acetylcholine, not norepinephrine as is common for most of the
sympathetic nervous system.

In this lesson, the biofeedback signal will be plotted on the screen as a thermometer style bar chart that
will rise and fall with changes in heart rate and GSR, allowing the Subject to become conscious of his/her
heart rate and arousal (GSR). The Subject will try to change the reading(s) without physical movements
and should be able to see that heart rate and level of arousal are independent.

II. EXPERIMENTAL OBJECTIVES

1) Introduce the concept of biofeedback training for relaxation.
2) Measure levels of arousal via heart rate and galvanic skin response (GSR).

III. MATERIALS
BIOPAC disposable vinyl electrodes (EL503), 3 electrodes per Subject
Electrode lead (SS2L)

BIOPAC GSR transducer (SS3LA or SS57L)

GEL100 electrode gel
Computer system: PC running Windows 2000/XP
Memory requirements: The Biopac Student Lab application needs to have at least 4MB of RAM
available for its needs. This is 4MB above and beyond the operating system needs and any other
programs that are running.
Biopac Student Lab software v3.0 or greater
BIOPAC acquisition unit (MP30 or MP35)
BIOPAC wall transformer (AC100A)
BIOPAC serial cable (CBLSERA)

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Biopac Student Lab

IV. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

Overview
As you complete the Experimental Methods (Set Up, Calibration, and Recording) and the Analysis,
you may need to use the following tools and/or display options. The window display shown below is
only a reference sample it does not represent any lesson specific data. The sample screen shows 3
channels of data and four channel measurement boxes, but your screen display may vary between
lessons and at different points within the same lesson.
channel measurement boxes
(channel #
)

measurement type result)

marker

marker tools

channel boxes
(Data analysis mode only)

vertical scales

marker label

vertical (amplitude)
scroll bar

channel labels

selection tool

horizontal (time) scroll bar

horizontal scale

zoom tool

I-Beam cursor

The symbols explained below are used throughout Experimental Methods and Analysis.

Key to Symbols
If you encounter a problem or need further explanation of a concept, refer to the
Orientation Chapter for more details.
The data collected in the step needs to be recorded in the Data Report (in the section
indicated by the alpha character). You can record the data individually by hand or choose
Edit > Journal > Paste measurements to paste the data to your journal for future
reference.

Most markers and labels are automatic. Markers appear at the top of the window as
inverted triangles. This symbol is used to indicate that you need to insert a marker and key
in a marker label similar to the text in quotes. You can insert and label the marker during or
after acquisition. On a Mac, press ESC and on a PC, press F9.
Each section is presented in a two-column format, as described below.
FAST TRACK STEPS
This side of the lesson (left, shaded
column) is the FAST TRACK through
the lesson, which contains a basic
explanation of each step.

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF STEPS

This side of the lesson contains more detailed
information to clarify the steps and/or concepts in the
FAST TRACK, and may include reference diagrams,
illustrations, and screen shots.

Lesson 14: Biofeedback

A.

Page 5

SET UP
FAST TRACK Set Up

Detailed Explanation of Steps

1. Make sure the BIOPAC MP30 unit is

turned OFF.
2. Plug the equipment in as follows:
GSR transducer (SS3L) CH 1
or GSR leads (SS57L)

BIOPAC MP30 unit

Electrode lead set (SS2L) CH 2

SS2L
Electrode Lead Set

SS3L
GSR
Transducer

Fig. 14.1
3. Turn the MP30/35 Data Acquisition
Unit ON.
4. Select a Subject (who has not
exercised within the last hour).
5. Place three electrodes on the Subject
(Fig. 14.2).

Subject must not have done any rigorous exercise within the
last hour.
one on right forearm
(just above wrist)

one on inside right leg

(just above ankle bone)
one on inside left leg
(just above ankle bone)

Set Up continues

Fig. 14.2
Place one electrode on the medial surface of the right
leg, just above the ankle bone

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Biopac Student Lab

Place one electrode on the medial surface of the left
leg, just above the ankle bone
Place one electrode on the right anterior forearm at the
wrist (same side of arm as the palm of hand).
Note: For optimal electrode adhesion, the electrodes should
be placed on the skin at least 5 minutes before the start of the
Calibration procedure.

6. Attach the electrode lead (SS2L) to

the Subject following the color code
(Fig. 14.3).

When the electrode cable is

connected properly, the LEAD II
electrode configuration will be
established.

right forearm
WHITE lead

right leg
left leg
BLACK lead
RED lead
(ground)
Fig. 14.3
Each of the pinch connectors on the end of the electrode
cable needs to be attached to a specific electrode. The
electrode cables are each a different color, and you should
follow Fig. 14.3 to ensure that you connect each cable to the
proper electrode.
The pinch connectors work like a small clothespin, but will
only latch onto the nipple of the electrode from one side of
the connector.
7. Fill the electrode cavities with
(GEL100) gel and then attach the
GSR transducer (SS3L) to the
Subjects fingertip (Fig. 14.4).
Note Electrodes should be in
place for at least five
minutes prior to calibration
or recording.

Set Up continues

You need to fill both the electrode cavities with electrode gel
before attaching to the fingertips.

HINT
For a good signal to be picked up, it helps if
the subjects have a little sweat on their
hands (not a lot, but enough so that their
hands are not completely smooth or cold). If
subjects wash their hands just prior to the
recording or if they have been sitting in a cold room, then
they must do something to activate the sweat glands before
beginning calibration or recording. If subjects begin with
colder hands, the scale will be diminished and the signal will
be easily saturated once they warm up during the lesson.

Lesson 14: Biofeedback

Page 7
Sensors attach to
bottom of fingertips

Note: If using SS57L GSR leads,

place electrodes on fingers and
then attach leads. Position the
electrodes so that the sensor is on
the bottom of your fingertip (the
part without the fingernail).

Velcro straps
wrap around
fingers

Fig. 14.4
The SS3L is typically placed on the index and middle fingers of
the left hand, with the sensor on the bottom of the fingertips
(the part without the fingernail). Wrap the Velcro tape around
the finger so the transducer fits snugly (Fig. 14.4).
8. Start the Biopac Student Lab Program
9. Choose Lesson 14 (L14-Biofbk-1).

10. Type in your filename.

Use a unique identifier.

11. Click OK.

This ends the Set Up procedure.

END OF SET UP

Page 8

B.

Biopac Student Lab

CALIBRATION

The Calibration procedure establishes the hardwares internal parameters (such as gain, offset, and
scaling) and is critical for optimum performance. Pay close attention to the Calibration procedure.
FAST TRACK Calibration

Detailed Explanation of Calibration Steps

1. Subject should sit in a relaxed state,

breathing normally.
2. Click on Calibrate (then YES, then
OK).

When you click on Calibrate, two dialog boxes will pop-up to

make sure you are ready for the calibration procedure. Click on
YES for the first box and click on OK for the second box.
You should see three tracings on the screen: the top is the GSR
recording, the middle is ECG, and the lower is ECG rate.

3. After 5 seconds, inhale and exhale

deeply once.

Five seconds into the recording, the Subject should take one
deep inhale and exhale, and then return to normal breathing.
The program needs to see some variation in the GSR and BPM
data.
Note: The Subject should inhale and exhale without tensing
the chest muscles too much, as this may cause excessive
EMG artifact.

4. Wait for the Calibration to stop.

The Calibration will run for 10 seconds and then stop

automatically, so let it run its course.

5. Check your calibration data.

At the end of the 10-sec calibration recording, your screen

should resemble Fig. 14.5.

If similar, proceed to the Data

Recording section.
If different, Redo Calibration.

Figure 14.5
Both recording channels should show some fluctuation. If there
is not any fluctuation, then it is possible that a transducer is not
connected properly and you must redo calibration.
If the lower recording of ECG rate shows large fluctuations (20
BPM or more) during the interval from 4-10 seconds, then it is
possible that excessive EMG artifact during inhale and exhale
caused loss of BPM tracking and you should redo the
calibration. And have the Subject breathe less deeply.

END OF CALIBRATION

If you did not hear a beep during the calibration, then you
should make sure your computer volume is turned up and redo
calibration. Redo by clicking on the Redo Calibration button
and repeating the entire calibration sequence.

Lesson 14: Biofeedback

C.

Page 9

RECORDING LESSON DATA

FAST TRACK Recording

1. Prepare for the recording.

Detailed Explanation of Recording Steps

In order to work efficiently, read this entire section so you will
know what to do for each recording segment.
This lesson requires that the Subject concentrate on the monitor
display of Heart Rate and Arousal (GSR) and try to change the
reading(s) without physical movement. Heart rate and level of
arousal (GSR) are independent, so the Subject may be able to
change one or the other or both.
Check the last line of the journal and note the total amount of
time available for the recording.
When you begin recording, your heart rate and your GSR (Fig.
14.6) will be plotted in a thermometer style bar chart.

Faster
Heart
Rate
Slower

Higher
GSR
Arousal
Level
Lower

Fig. 14.6 Heart rate and Arousal (GSR)

The Heart Rate will be displayed to the left and will increase
(rise) as the heart rate increases. Arousal (GSR) will be displayed
on the right, and will increase (rise) as the body resistance
decreases, indicating a higher level of arousal.
The upper and lower range of each reading was set with your
calibration data. Both readings should begin with values in
approximately the center of the display. If your reading for either
bar begins beyond the mid-range, you may want to consider
redoing calibration.
The bar chart display only works while data is being recorded.
The display will change to a standard data plot when recording is
complete.
2. Click on Record.

The recording will begin and will run continuously until you
click on the STOP button or the time indicated runs out.

3. For the first 90 seconds of the

recording, Subject should try to relax
so that both bars move down.

Hints for achieving relaxation:

a) Relax your posture.
b) Breathe in and out very slowly.
c) Imagine yourself at a warm, relaxing seashore.
d) Smile.
e) Close your eyes.

Recording continues

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Biopac Student Lab

4. After 90 seconds, Subject should try to To move the bars up, you need to become more aroused.
move the bars up by increasing arousal
Recorder should insert a marker 90 seconds into the recording to
and Recorder should insert marker.
indicate that the Subject is now attempting arousal versus
relaxation. To insert Markers:
insert marker at 90 seconds
(No marker label needed.)
PC = F9 key.
Markers can also be entered after the data is recorded.
Hints for achieving arousal:
a) Think of a stressful situation.
b) Have the Director clap behind you.
c) Make a scowl with your face.
d) Hold your breath.
5. Click on Stop twice.

The first time you click on Stop, the data window containing the
Stop button will be activated.
When you click on Stop the second time, the bar chart data
display will be hidden and the data window will change to a
standard three-channel recording with GSR, Raw ECG and ECG
Rate. This data represents the entire recording.

6. Review the data on the screen.

If correct, go to Step 7.

If all went well, your data should look similar to Fig. 14.7 and
you can proceed to Step 7.
Note: The recording will vary greatly from person to person,
and it is hard to generalize about the results. Hopefully, you
were able to manipulate your physiological responses to some
degree. This may take some practice, as many people are not
used to thinking that they have some control over things like
their heart rate and nervous system.

If incorrect, click on Redo.

Recording continues

Fig. 14.7 Sample data

The data would be incorrect if:
a) The BPM data fluctuates excessively, indicating that an
electrode may have peeled up.
b) The GSR signal goes outside of its plotting region,
indicating that one of the GSR transducers may not have
had good contact.
If incorrect, you should redo the recording by clicking on
Redo and repeating Steps 2-6. Note that once you press Redo,
the data you have just recorded will be erased.

Lesson 14: Biofeedback

7. Click on Done.

Page 11
A pop-up window with four options will appear. Make your
choice, and continue as directed.
If choosing the Record from another subject option:
a) Attach the electrodes and transducer to the new Subject
per Set Up Steps 5 and 6, and continue the entire lesson
from Set Up Step 9.
b) Each the new Subject will need to use a unique file
name.

8. Remove the electrodes and transducers

and clean the GSR transducers gel
cavities.

END OF RECORDING

Remove the electrode cable pinch connectors, and peel off the
electrodes. Throw out the electrodes (BIOPAC electrodes are not
reusable). Wash the electrode gel residue from the skin, using
soap and water. The electrodes may leave a slight ring on the
skin for a few hours. This is normal, and does not indicate that
anything is wrong.
Remove the GSR transducers and clean out the electrode gel
cavity using alcohol.

Note: GSR is a measure of electrical conductance and the units of the GSR recording are given
in mho. In 1885, Oliver Heaviside coined the term mho to represent the units of electrical
conductance. Electrical conductance is the reciprocal of electrical resistance, which is measured
in ohm (). Therefore, the mho unit was adopted by spelling ohm backwards and is represented
by an upside down Greek letter omega. The SI unit of electrical conductance is the siemens (S).
1 S = 1 mho = 1/

Page 12

V.

Biopac Student Lab

DATA ANALYSIS
FAST TRACK Data Analysis

1. Enter the Review Saved Data mode.

Note Channel Number(CH)
designation:
Channel

Detailed Explanation of Data Analysis Steps

Enter the Review Saved Data mode.
The data window should come up the same as Fig. 14.8.

Displays

CH 41

heart rate

CH 42

GSR

Fig 14.8
2. Turn OFF Channel 2, Raw ECG.

To turn a channel OFF, click on the channel number box and

hold down the following key:
PC: Ctrl key

Fig. 14.9 Channel 2 turned off

3. Setup your display window for optimal The first data segment is the data between Time 0 and the first
viewing of the first data segment.
marker. The following tools help you adjust the data window:

Autoscale horizontal
Autoscale waveforms
Zoom Tool
4. Set up the measurement boxes as
follows:
Channel

Measurement

CH 41

value

CH 42

value

Data Analysis continues

Horizontal(Time) Scroll Bar

Vertical (Amplitude) Scroll Bar
Zoom Previous

The measurement boxes are above the marker region in the

data window. Each measurement has three sections: channel
number, measurement type, and result. The first two sections
are pull-down menus that are activated when you click on
them. Brief definition of measurements:
value: displays the amplitude value for the channel at the
point selected by the I-beam cursor. If a single point is
selected, the value is for that point, if an area is selected, the
value is the endpoint of the selected area.
Note: The selected area is the area selected by the
I-beam tool (including the endpoints).

Lesson 14: Biofeedback

5. Measure the GSR and heart rate values
about 10 seconds into the recording.

A

Page 13
It takes a few heart rate cycles for the BPM data to be correct,
so measuring data 10 seconds into the record will be an
accurate baseline. Simply clicking the cursor at Time =10
seconds will update the value measurements.

Fig 14.10
6. Scroll to the point of maximal
relaxation.

Use the horizontal scroll bar to move through the data. Select a
point at the end of the first interval (before the marker)
representing the point of maximal relaxation.

Fig. 14.11
7. Take the measurements on this point as
needed.

A
8. Scroll to the point of maximal arousal.

Select a point at the end of the second interval (after the marker)
representing the point of maximal arousal.

9. Take the measurements on this point as

needed.

A
10. Save or print the data file.

You may save the data to a floppy drive, save notes that are in
the journal, or print the data file.

11. Exit the program.

END OF DATA ANALYSIS

END OF LESSON 14
Complete the Lesson 14 Data Report that follows.

Page 14

Biopac Student Lab

BIOFEEDBACK
Relaxation and Arousal

DATA REPORT
Computer Number:
Lab Section:
Date:

I. Data and Calculations

Subject Profile
Name

Height

Age

Weight

Gender:

Male / Female

A.
Table 14.1

II.

Measurement
Heart Rate
(BPM)

CH. #
CH 40
value

GSR
(MHO)

CH 41
value

Baseline
(10 sec.)

Condition
Maximal
Relaxation

Maximal
Arousal

Questions

B. Based on the data from Table 14.1, did the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system change with
biofeedback? Explain the physiological mechanisms causing the results.

Lesson 14: Biofeedback

Page 15

C. Name the branches of the autonomic nervous system and explain their function.

D. Define Biofeedback and explain in general terms how it works.

E. What change, if any, did your GSR recording show when you were aroused? Relaxed?

F.

Why is GSR a useful measure for biofeedback training?

End of Lesson 14 Data Report