O biofeedback como ferramenta de auxílio ao desempenho cognitivo ou motor: uma revisão narrativa dos estudos não-clínicos realizados no Brasil

Abstract

Biofeedback consists of an evidence-based training where the individual consciously enhances body and mental awareness through the use of technology. This technique combines concepts from complementary and alternative medicine and from biotechnology, and the training protocols available suggests that audio and or vídeo estimulations enable an individual to increase his control over the same process. Even though research on the topic has been increasing since the 80s, non-clinical studies using biofeedback only started to gain more attention in Brazil in 2016. This narrative review aims to understand this research gap, while also indicating limitations and different possibilities to Brazilian research in biofeedback that is associated with performance enhancement. Among the benefits of the different types of intervention are the enhancement of non-verbal skills, focus, visual memory and decrease of mistakes, decrease of global stress, increase in self-confidence and quality of life, in anxiety awareness, and better performance and comfort when performing motor tasks. The comparison with studies published in other countries suggest that there are types of study and biofeedback protocols that are virtually unexplored in Brazil. Foreign literature also proves that it is possible to conduct studies with larger groups.