GSR Biofeedback
Important Note: This is not a medical site and does not offer medical advice or personal advice of any form. Always consult a doctor regarding medical matters.The basic technique of GSR biofeedback has been around for over a century. It's probably the best known form of biofeedback, especially amongst home users.
What Is GSR?
GSR stands for galvanic skin response. It is a relatively inexpensive and simple method of monitoring that is often used in home biofeedback devices. Unlike the more advanced neurofeedback, which measures brain activity directly, GSR measures the mind indirectly through the physiological responses of the body.GSR is also somtimes known as "Electrodermal Response" (EDR)
How Does It Work?
As the name suggests, GSR biofeedback devices work by analysing the skin. The device measures the electrical resistance of the skin through two electrodes and compares this value to a previously taken baseline reading. This resistance is affected by autonomic responses such as sweat and can therefore be used as a measure of anxiety, stress or general emotional arousal. A monitor such as a visual display or varying tone allows the user to monitor their state and attempt to adjust it accordingly.GSR biofeedback is sometimes used in the treatment of stress and similar conditions by qualified professionals For such professional work it is sometimes combined with other more advanced forms of biofeedback measurement.
Always consult a doctor concerning any medical issues.
Home GSR Machines
In the home, GSR based equipment is used in many of the personal biofeedback machines on the market designed to help you in training your mind. The large, cumbersome psychogalvanometer of Tarchinoff has given way to affordable personal units, some even hand held.Home GSR equpiment normally uses sound and/or light cues to tell you about the response levels being measured through the skin. Perhaps the simplest systems you can buy use just basic audio feedback: a single rising or falling tone. Others use more advanced software to aid visualisation and training.
Today can buy everything from "mind machines" which are intended to help improve relaxation, concentration, etc. to biofeedback based mental games! Some of the best known brands of personal GSR device include ThoughtStream and the Thought Technology GSR2.
