Arthritis


Overview & Efficacy: Several small controlled studies and a moderate number of small clinical studies have demonstrated decreases in both pain and physical markers of arthritis after temperature and muscle tension biofeedback.


This therapy is rated as probably efficacious (level 3 on a scale of 1 - 5 with 5 being the best).


For more information on how efficacy is rated click here.

Why biofeedback would help this problem: Factors initiating and worsening arthritis are poorly understood. Temperature biofeedback may increase blood-flow to the joints and, thus, perhaps decrease inflammation and swelling.

Brief summary of evidence supporting the efficacy of biofeedback for Arthritis:


Yucha and Gilbert (2004) reported that "both thermal and EMG biofeedback have been used to teach relaxation techniques to adults with chronic arthritis. A recent meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled studies demonstrated significant pooled effect sizes post- intervention for pain, functional disability, psychological status, coping, and self efficacy (Astin, Becker, Soeken, Hochberg, & Berman, 2002). Thermal biofeedback coupled with cognitive behavioral therapy decreased pain behaviors, self-reports of pain intensity, and rheumatoid factor titer (a measure of disease activity), in comparison to control subjects and those receiving social support only (Bradley, 1985; Bradley et al., 1987).


This intervention was associated with a reduction in rheumatoid arthritis related clinic visits and days hospitalized, thereby decreasing medical costs (Young, Bradley, & Turner, 1995). EMG biofeedback also reduced duration, intensity and quality of pain in comparison to control groups (Flor, Gunther, Turk, & Koehler, 1983) and these beneficial effects were maintained 2.5 years later (Flor, Gunther, & Turk, 1986). "


* Much of the information provided here is from Carolyn Yucha and Christopher Gilbert's 2004 book "Evidence Based Practice in Biofeedback & Neurofeedback" AAPB, Wheat Ridge, CO.



Detailed information on biofeedback augmented treatment of arthritis

A. Citations to the papers summarized in the "brief summary":


Astin, J.A., Beckner, W., Soeken, K., Hochberg, M.C., & Berman, B. (2002). Psychological interventions for rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 47(3), 291-302.


Bradley, L.A. (1985). Effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on pain behavior of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients: Preliminary outcomes. Scandinavian Journal of Behaviour Therapy, 14(2), 51-64.


Bradley, L.A., Young, L.D., Anderson, K.O., Turner, R.A., Agudelo, C.A., McDaniel, L.K., et al. (1987). Effects of psychological therapy on pain behavior of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Treatment outcome and six-month followup. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 30(10), 1105-1114.


Flor, H., Haag, G., & Turk, D.C. (1986). Long-term efficacy of EMG biofeedback for chronic rheumatic back pain. Pain, 27(2), 195-202.


Flor, H., Haag, G., Turk, D.C., & Koehler, H. (1983). Efficacy of EMG biofeedback, pseudotherapy, and conventional medical treatment for chronic rheumatic back pain. Pain, 17(1), 21-31.


Lavigne, J.V., Ross, C.K., Berry, S.L., & Hayford, J.R. (1992). Evaluation of a psychological treatment package for treating pain in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Care & Research, 5(2), 101-110.


Young, L.D., Bradley, L.A., & Turner, R.A. (1995). Decreases in health care resource utilization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis following a cognitive behavioral intervention. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 20(3), 259-268.