Biofeedback as an experimental treatment for postural hypotension in a patient with a spinal cord lesion
Brucker, B.S.; Ince, L.P.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 58(2): 49-53
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9993 PMID: 836132 Document Number: 114763
A man having severe postural hypotension resulting from a spinal cord lesion at level T3 [the 3rd thoracic vertebra], was trained to raise and lower his blood pressure with the use of biofeedback. The procedure consisted of 11 learning sessions during which the subject's task was to effect specific changes of his blood pressure without skeletal muscle or respiratory involvement. Blood pressure was continuously monitored and reported to the subject, and positive verbal reinforcement for correct changes was supplied. The subject learned to produce large voluntary changes in pressure. This learned ability was then applied in a standing position, resulting in counteracting the postural hypotension. Suggestions for further research and implications for clinical applications were discussed.