Biofeedback Improves Anxiety, Relieves Stage Fright

New research suggests that teaching performers to utilize biofeedback techniques can significantly lower anxiety and improve their overall performance. The study was led by Myron Thurber of Neuropathy Northwest, along with a group of researchers with the University of North Texas.

They claim that it is thought that more than 70% of all musicians suffer from musical performance anxiety, a particularly severe form of stage fright. The researchers began the study by assessing a group of student musicians while they performed in front of a live audience.

They then worked with the students over four sessions ranging from 30-50 minutes, teaching them to be able to control their heart rate and rhythm while at the same time focusing their emotions and thoughts. They were given a biofeedback device that would allow them to follow their progress.

Once the training sessions were completed, the group performed again. The researchers found anxiety levels had been reduced by 71% while performances improved by 62%.

The students went on to utilize the techniques in other areas of their lives and reported their stress levels were lowered, they were calmer, able to manage their anger better, were more relaxed and slept better at night.

Biofeedback is said to work by sending signals between parts of the body through heartbeat, electrical impulses, hormones and nerves. The result is called psycho physiological coherence and adherents say that it promotes health and emotional stability as well as increasing brain function.

Not every medical professional believes in the science behind biofeedback but past studies have noted that once trained, subjects have shown lower stress, better mood stability and an increase in test-taking ability. As the techniques are fairly easy to learn, fast-acting and with no side effects, it wouldn’t hurt to try it.