Biofeedback application is an evidence-based technique to induce relaxation. A primary mechanism of action is the improvement of self-efficacy, which is needed to facilitate the translation of health behavioral intentions into action. Obesity is often associated with low self-efficacy and dysfunctional eating patterns, including comfort eating as an inexpedient relaxation technique. This is the first study investigating the effects of biofeedback on self-efficacy and relaxation in obesity. In the present experiment, 31 women, mean body mass index 35.5 kg/m², were randomized to a food-specific biofeedback paradigm, a non-specific relaxation biofeedback paradigm, or a waiting list control. Eight sessions of biofeedback of the electrodermal activity were performed while presenting either a challenging food stimulus or a non-specific landscape stimulus. Self-efficacy, stress, ability to relax, eating behavior, and electrodermal activity were assessed before, directly after, and 3 months after the intervention. The food-specific biofeedback predominantly showed effects on food-related self-efficacy and perceived stress. The non-specific relaxation biofeedback showed effects on the ability to relax. Self-reported improvements were confirmed by corresponding decrease in the electrodermal reaction to food stimuli. Biofeedback treatment is effective in improving self-efficacy in individuals with obesity and might therefore be a valuable additional intervention in obesity treatment.
One fifth of the German population is obese with increasing prevalence. Psychotherapy plays an important role in weight loss programmes. Cognitive behaviour therapy, targeting lifestyle changes, including exercise and eating behaviour, is the evidence-based treatment of choice. Especially the lack of motivation or absence of weight loss, further weight gain or psychosocial burden makes psychotherapy essential. The treatment of a comorbid binge eating disorder should be initiated prior to focusing on weight loss. Remarkably difficult stages in the treatment of obesity are the initiation of changes as well as the maintenance of the achieved weight loss. Internet-based attempts will become increasingly important.
The time course of the changes in ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) was determined in 28 dogs by means of electrical stimulation, triggered from the R wave, with DC square wave pulse series (of 140 ms duration) inserted into the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle. After acute coronary occlusion there was a sudden decrease in the VFT followed by a slow increase such that 30 min after the ligation pre-occlusion values of VFT were reached. The magnitude of the decrease in VFT depended upon the collateral blood supply. There were no other changes in VFT during the remaining course of the experiment. Following slow coronary occlusion the first arrhythmic phase was not detectable. Any decreases in VFT that occurred were smaller and of shorter duration than those occurring after acute occlusion and were independent of the extent of the collateral blood supply.
The time course of changes in VFT was determined during the 1st phase of arrhythmia following coronary occlusion and during consecutive reperfusion in five repeated periods of occlusion and reperfusion in 10 mongrel dogs (17--24 kg). VFT was determined using a square wave pulse series of 140 ms duration which was triggered by the R-wave of the ECG and placed into the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle. After acute occlusion VFT decreased to a minimum level within a few minutes and then increased again slowly up to the control value which was reached about 20 min after the ligation. When the occlusions were repeated several times the extent of the decrease in VFT became increasingly less and its duration increasingly shorter until finally there was no significant decrease in VFT. Reperfusion after coronary occlusion led to an abrupt decrease in VFT within 1 min, followed by a rapid increase to the control value. This time course did not depend upon the number of prior occlusions. The results show that in the case of repeating short-term coronary occlusions one cannot expect comparable VFT time courses for the consecutive periods of occlusion except for the 1st and 2nd ones. Differing mechanisms leading to the occurrence of VF after coronary ligation and during reperfusion are discussed.
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