Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) was founded in 1969 as the Biofeedback Research Society (BRS). The association aims to promote a new understanding of biofeedback and advance the methods used in this practice. AAPB is a non-profit organization as defined in Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Mission
AAPB's mission is to advance the development, dissemination and utilization of knowledge about applied psychophysiology and biofeedback to improve health and the quality of life through research, education and practice.

Current Initiatives
AAPB's priorities include:


 * ''Encouraging scientific research and expansion of clinical and educational applications of biofeedback and applied psychophysiology.


 * ''Integrating biofeedback with other self-regulatory methods.


 * ''Promoting high standards of professional practice, ethics, and education.


 * ''Increasing member knowledge through events, publications, educational programs, and special interest sections and divisions.


 * ''Making the public aware of biofeedback.

What Is Biofeedback?
The American Psychological Association has named biofeedback as a clinical proficiency.

The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB), the Biofeedback Certification Institution of America (BCIA), and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) approved the following definition of biofeedback on May 18, 2008:

Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately "feed back" information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument.

Clinical Effectiveness of Biofeedback
Moss, LeVaque, and Hammond (2004) observed that “Biofeedback and neurofeedback seem to offer the kind of evidence-based practice that the health care establishment is demanding."

The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) have collaborated in validating and rating treatment protocols to address questions about the clinical efficacy of biofeedback and neurofeedback applications, like ADHD and headache. In 2001, Donald Moss, then president of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, and Jay Gunkelman, president of the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research, appointed a task force to establish standards for the efficacy of biofeedback and neurofeedback.

The Task Force document was published in 2002, and a series of white papers followed, reviewing the efficacy of a series of disorders. The white papers established the efficacy of biofeedback for functional anorectal disorders, attention deficit disorder, facial pain and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, hypertension, urinary incontinence, Raynaud's phenomenon, substance abuse, and headache.

A broader review was published and later updated applying the same efficacy standards to the entire range of medical and psychological disorders. The 2008 edition reviewed the efficacy of biofeedback for over 40 clinical disorders, ranging from alcoholism/substance abuse to vulvar vestibulitis. The ratings for each disorder depend on the nature of research studies available on each disorder, ranging from anecdotal reports to double blind studies with a control group. Thus, a lower rating may reflect the lack of research rather than the ineffectiveness of biofeedback for the problem.

Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback is an international, interdisciplinary journal devoted to study of the interrelationship of physiological systems, cognition, social and environmental parameters, and health. Priority is given to original research, basic and applied, which contributes to the theory, practice, and evaluation of applied psychophysiology and biofeedback. Submissions from various other fields are also accepted for consideration in several additional sections that appear in the journal. They consist of conceptual and theoretical articles; evaluative reviews; the Clinical Forum, which includes separate categories for innovative case studies, clinical replication series, extended treatment protocols, and clinical notes and observations; the Discussion Forum, which includes a series of papers centered around a topic of importance to the field; Innovations in Instrumentation; Letters to the Editor, comments on issues raised in articles previously published in the journal; and select book reviews. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback is an official publication of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. Frank Andrasik, PhD, currently serves as the journal's editor.

Biofeedback: A Clinical Journal
Biofeedback: A Clinical Journal is a peer-reviewed, quarterly online journal for biofeedback practitioners, educators, health and mental health professionals, and researchers in psychophysiology. Biofeedback includes reports on current advances in biofeedback, neurofeedback, self-regulation strategies, sports physiology, personal and occupational wellness, peak performance in the arts, and scientific psychophysiology. Biofeedback provides special issues gathering collections of articles highlighting an application area of biofeedback and neurofeedback, including both research and practice. Biofeedback also publishes articles on practice standards and ethical principles in research and practice, feature articles on innovative uses of biofeedback, and case studies illustrating successful use of mind-body therapies and principles. Priority is given to emerging programs of research, innovative clinical programs, and technical advances, which contribute to the practice of biofeedback and neurofeedback. The journal also publishes submissions on several special topics: historical and biographical articles on biofeedback and psychophysiology; reviews of the development of biofeedback in new international settings; innovations in instrumentation and software; and select book reviews. Biofeedback: A Clinical Journal is an official publication of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. Don Moss, PhD, BCB, currently serves as the journal's editor.

Biofeedback Mastery: An Experiential Teaching and Self-Training Manual
Biofeedback Mastery: An Experiential Teaching and Self-Training Manual, by Erik Peper, Hana Tylova, Katherine H. Gibney, Richard Harvey, and Didier Combatalade, is a laboratory manual for training students and staff in all the major biofeedback modalities. The book is divided into units, each designed to teach instrumentation and clinical skill fundamentals through illustrated exercises and detailed practical skills instructions. The manual serves as a resource for educators, students, and clinicians.

Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback
Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback, by Carolyn Yucha and Doil Montgomery, reviews the efficacy levels of 41 types of disorders treated with biofeedback. The reports represent an increase from 37 specific disorders and a doubling in size over the previous edition, from 48 to 96 pages. Biofeedback and neurofeedback provide the kind of evidence-based practice the health care establishment is demanding. The authors claim that evidence-based practice is a process that uses the best evidence, preferably research findings, to guide delivery of health services. These levels of evidence range from case reports to observational studies to randomized clinical trials.

Home Study Program
The Introduction to Biofeedback Independent Study Program was edited by Andrew Crider, PhD, and Doil Montgomery, PhD. The program is a self-paced, in-depth educational experience aimed at individuals interested in pursuing their certification through the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA) or those pursuing continuing education in biofeedback and its applications. The program requires not specific perquisites for participation. Through the program, professionals may earn all 48 BCIA General Biofeedback didactic hours. The program is also designed for professional continuing education and offers credit for psychologists, nurses, and other professionals.

The modules include:

Module 1: History and Principles

Module 2: Stress and Illness

Module 3: Psychophysiological Recording

Module 4: Neuromuscular Applications

Module 5: Autonomic Nervous System

Module 6: Electroencephalographic Applications

Module 7: Adjunctive Interventions and Assessment

Module 8: Professional Conduct

Teleseminar Series
AAPB Teleseminars present recent findings in topics of interest to biofeedback and neurofeedback professionals like Battle Trauma and Neurons and Neurotransmitters. Teleseminars are approved by the APA and Nursing Association, and most last 90 minutes, providing 1.5 hours of CE Credit. Telesminars allow professionals to earn all of the CE credits needed for professional licensure and BCIA renewal.

Membership
Membership in AAPB is open to professionals interested in the investigation and application of applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, and in the scientific and professional advancement of the field. The AAPB has grown to more than 2,000 members representing the fields of psychology, medicine, nursing, social work, counseling, physical therapy, education, and other health care areas. Corporations can support AAPB through their Corporate Membership. There are many state chapters, and the Association has members in several countries.

Allied Professionals Section
The Applied Professionals Section was formed to create an alliance of biofeedback professionals in order to support, protect, and enhance recognition of unlicensed biofeedback practitioners. Members include biofeedback professionals who are researchers, rehabilitation specialists, educators, stress management counselors, health care specialists, and other biofeedback consultants who are not recognized under a specific license. The Allied Professionals Section accepts unlicensed biofeedback practitioners, regardless of their specialty (EMG, EEG or general).

Applied Respiratory Psychophysiology Section
The Applied Respiratory Psychophysiology Section promotes scientific and clinical activities in the application areas of respiratory retraining for treating psychological and physical symptoms, and the management of respiratory diseases. Most Mind/Body disciplines are included in their interest area. The section also fosters research on the causes and effects of hyperventilation and effects of respiratory rhythms on other physiological systems including the body’s homeostatic reflexes.

Education Section
The Education Section is the oldest within AAPB. It represents a long-standing interest in the most fundamental aspect of biofeedback - the development of health changes through education. This section focuses primarily on assisting biofeedback professionals as educators and supporting applications of biofeedback in an educational setting.

The Education Section under its current leadership embarked on an ambitious project in 2008 to redefine its mission and function within AAPB. This effort resulted in a number of proposals currently under review by the AAPB Board. Included in the section’s proposed strategic initiatives is the development of a web-based “link” that will enable the exchange of important information between AAPB’s diverse stakeholders. The first phase of implementation for the link project is planned as a component of AAPB’s larger website renovation, and will involve coordinating information about planned educational programs amongst AAPB and its state, regional, and international chapters.

The Education Section contributes significantly to the AAPB Annual Conference via the sponsorship of world-class speakers and a collegial section meeting that supports networking and a lively exchange of ideas. The mission of the Section is to represent and strengthen the activities of educators and education within AAPB by promoting opportunities to exchange and disseminate information, materials, and educational techniques to the AAPB membership and to the public.

International Section
The International Section fosters the worldwide promotion, development, and improvement of scientific research and clinical practice; promotion of high standards of professional practice, peer review, ethics, and education in biofeedback; and dissemination of information about biofeedback to members and the public per se. Members have an opportunity to be involved in the governance of the section, develop a network of international contacts dealing with similar issues, clarify how AAPB and the section can better meet their needs, and can contribute to the expansion of biofeedback worldwide.

ISMA - USA Stress Management Section
The purpose of the ISMA-USA Stress Management Section is to promote scientific and clinical activities in the application areas of stress management for treating psychological and physical symptoms and management of stress-related disorders.

Mind-Body Medicine Section
Mind-body medicine as a title is widely used today and has significant name recognition with both public and professional audiences. It is also an area of significant research funding by the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR). AAPB’s Mind-Body Medicine Section concentrates on this growing public, professional, and scholarly interest. This section focuses on applied psychophysiology as the common interface or theme to unite the varied elements of this rich domain. The goal is to increase participation in AAPB by creative thinkers, teachers, researchers and explorers in meditation, distant healing, prayer, hypnosis and imagery, yoga, intuition and dreams, psychoacoustics, qigong, and related areas.

Neurofeedback Division
Neurofeedback Division membership is open to members of AAPB who are interested in research and practice in neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback). Those who are not currently active in this area are also encouraged to join as a way to learn about his increasingly important and growing area. The division sponsors many activities at the AAPB Annual Meeting, including key speakers and workshops. The Neurofeedback Division Newsletter includes articles of broad interest including clinical and technical interviews, topics including insurance, ethics, medicolegal issues, and current products, systems, and approaches. Articles for the Biofeedback Newsmagazine are also submitted by division members.

Benefits of membership include newsletters and list servs, special programs and a dinner at the annual meeting, web-listing opportunities, and access to the AAPB website’s member’s only area. Sustaining Members receive recognition in the Neurofeedback Newsletter, certificate showing support of Division, and free web link in Member’s Only Section of website.

Optimal Functioning Section
The Optimal Functioning Section was organized to discuss and explore uses of biofeedback and applied psychophysiology for optimizing health, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual functioning, and peak performance fields. The section holds a meeting in conjunction with the Annual Conference, and sponsors regularly invite symposia and presentations from recognized experts.

Performing Arts Psychophysiology Section
The Performing Arts Psychophysiology Section is open to anyone interested in psychophysiology for artists as a special population. Members possess some form of background in art, ranging from exhaustive to minor. This section was founded on the premise that the physiological effects of stress threaten artists' health and professional careers. It encourages development of empirically-based clinical applications, empirical validation of current therapies which artists utilize and testing, of arts populations with current psychophysiological models.

sEMG/SESNA Division
The Surface EMG Division within AAPB began as the Surface EMG Society of North America (SESNA). Their main aim is to promulgate the appropriate use of surface electromyography techniques within the context of applied psychophysiology. They provide a track at the AAPB Annual Meeting, basic workshops, and internet dialogue on members’ interests.

State Chapters
Biofeedback Society of California

Colorado Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback

Biofeedback Society of Florida

Biofeedback Society of Georgia

Biofeedback Society of Illinois

Michigan Society for Behavioral Medicine and Biofeedback

Biofeedback Society of New Mexico

Biofeedback Society of North Carolina

Pennsylvania for Behavioral Medicine & Biofeedback

Biofeedback Society of Texas

Biofeedback Society of Washington

Biofeedback Society of Wisconsin

Regional Chapters
Mid-Atlantic Society for Biofeedback and Behavioral Medicine

Northeast Regional Biofeedback Society

International Chapters
Polish Biofeedback and Applied Psychophysiology Society

History
The Biofeedback Research Society (BRS) was founded in 1969. The BRS was renamed the Biofeedback Society of America (BSA) in 1976 and the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) in 1989.

Executive Directors
1969 to 2009 - Francine Butler, PhD, CAE, CMP

2007 to 2010 - David L. Stumph, IOM, CAE

Past presidents
2008 - Aubrey Ewing, PhD

2007 - Alan Glaros, PhD

2006 - Richard Gevirtz, PhD

2005 - Richard Sherman, PhD

2004 - Steve Baskin, PhD

2003 - Lynda Kirk, MA, LPC

2002 - Paul Lehrer, PhD

2001 - Donald Moss, PhD

2000 - Doil Montgomery, PhD

1999 - Dale Walters, PhD

1998 - Ian Wickramasekera, PhD

1997 - Sebastian Striefel, PhD

1996 - Joel F. Lubar, PhD

1995 - Angele McGrady, PhD

1994 - Michael McKee, PhD

1993 - Frank Andrasik, PhD

1992 - Paula B. Amar, PhD

1991 - Steven L. Wolf, PhD

1990 - J. Peter Rosenfeld, PhD

1989 - Susan Middaugh, PhD

1988 - M. Barry Sterman, PhD

1987 - Mark Schwartz, PhD

1986 - Carol Schneider, PhD

1985 - Patricia Norris, PhD

1984 - Neal Miller, PhD

1983 - John D. Rugh, PhD

1982 - Steven L. Fahrion, PhD

1981 - Bernard T. Engel, PhD

1980 - Edward Taub, PhD

1979 - John Basmajian, PhD

1978 - Elmer Green, PhD

1977 - Charles Stroebel, PhD

1976 - Erik Peper, PhD

1975 - Joe Kamiya, PhD

1974 - Thomas H. Budzynski, PhD

1973 - Gary Schwartz, PhD

1971 to 1972 - Johann Stoyva, PhD

1970 to 1971 - Thomas Mulholland, PhD

1969 to 1970 - Barbara Brown, PhD

AAPB Foundation
The AAPB Foundation was formed in 1985 at the urging of then AAPB president, Neal Miller. He felt that the organization had a mission to continue to support research and clinical applications in an ever broadening field. Miller believed that the organization should encourage the interest and application of work by students to demonstrate the efficacy of biofeedback techniques. Presently, the Foundation annually supports travel scholarships to students whose papers have been accepted for presentation at the annual meeting. Individuals interested in supporting the work of the AAPB Foundation should contact call AAPB at 303-422-8436.

The Foundation for Education and Research in Biofeedback and Related Sciences initiated a new program aimed at stimulating biofeedback research at its 2009 Board meeting. The Board established funding for three grants at $1,000 each. Eligibility is limited to graduate students doing research in biofeedback and related fields. The award is accompanied by a travel scholarship and a waiver of registration to attend the AAPB annual meeting where the results of the research are presented.