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Comparisons of high, medium, and low feedback sensitivity for the control of heart-rate acceleration

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Abstract

Thirty-four student volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three feedback sensitivity conditions: high sensitivity, medium sensitivity, or low sensitivity. Each subject received four sessions of biofeedback training with instructions to accelerate heart rate. In each condition, analogue feedback was provided during heart-rate acceleration trials. In addition to heart rate, frontal EMG and digital skin temperature were also recorded. Results replicated and extended the findings of a previous study in that medium and low sensitivity feedback was found to be superior to high sensitivity feedback during the final training session. These results confirm previous findings that a high sensitivity feedback produces very poor control of heart-rate acceleration. These data were discussed in terms of motor skills theory and in terms of possible effects of feedback sensitivity upon the motivation of subjects.

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Williamson, D.A., Jarrell, M.P., Monguillot, J.E. et al. Comparisons of high, medium, and low feedback sensitivity for the control of heart-rate acceleration. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 8, 39–44 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01000535

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