Determining the effectiveness of biofeedback training using electromyograph on stress level and general well-being of college students

Pages: 1108-1112
Aditi Sharma and Lalit Kumar Singh (Department of Psychology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)

The study was undertaken to determine the level of muscle tension and significant changes if any, using Electromyograph-Biofeedback (EMG-BF) training, in moderating the Stress level and General Well Being of the college students. The efficacy of EMG-BF was found to be effective in reducing the muscle tension which helped in reducing Stress level and improve General Well Being of the individuals. Stress results in psycho physiological changes within the individual. Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy using electronic instruments to help individuals gain awareness and control over psycho physiological processes that helps in dealing with various psychological issues. An important parameter of Biofeedback known as EMG (Electromyograph) was used in the study. An Electromyograph detects the electric potential generated by muscle cells. A total of five subjects were given five days of training on EMG-BF. The two scales used in the study were Stress scale and PGI General Well Being scale. The scales were administered pre and post BF-EMG training to determine whether there was any significant difference between the means obtained. The statistical analysis used was descriptive analysis using SPSS and paired sample t-test comparison at .05 significance level. The results obtained showed that there was a significant difference in the stress level of the students’ pre and post EMG-BF training. The Stress level of the students gradually reduced with the help of Biofeedback training. Results also show that there is significant difference between the means obtained through administration of General Well Being scale as a result of which improvement could be seen. Thus Biofeedback can be considered as an effective training program for dealing with psycho physiological basis of behaviour.