03.06.2010 Lifestyle Coaching: Changing Your Path, Stress Management: Maintaining Balance, What is Biofeedback? No Comments

San Diego Psychologist: Breathing Techniques May Improve Athletic Performance

A new study out of Indiana University indicates that certain breathing exercises done regularly can “reduce [athletes'] need for oxygen [and] helps boost performance during endurance sports such as cycling and swimming.”

The researchers “found that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly reduced the amount of oxygen required by breathing muscles during exercise, making more oxygen available for other muscles.”

The article stated that IMT, “Involves the use of a hand-held device that creates resistance while inhaling, requiring a person to make greater use of inspiratory muscles.”

“After six weeks of IMT training, inspiratory muscles required about 1 percent less oxygen during low-intensity exercise and 3 percent to 4 percent less oxygen during high-intensity exercise.”

Although the study involves a relatively small sample size of 16 male cyclists, it is very exciting to see such research that involves breathing associated with biofeedback, sports psychology, and physiological training and rehabilitation.  It’s a great start!!

Article available at: http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=639730

Study abstract available at: http://www.abstractsonline.com/Plan/ViewAbstract.aspx?sKey=3ac12429-3e7f-481e-96de-3fc67b36ea2f&cKey=fa65fab0-325a-4cf1-8f4e-e884fae4dd41&mKey={24A58842-A6E4-47C5-889B-B8D603BBBA25}

Dr. Schwartz

San Diego Psychologist

www.integrative-health.net

13.01.2010 What is Biofeedback? No Comments

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is one of many tools that Dr. Schwartz utilizes to treat health conditions and improve quality of life.  It is a very basic, yet extremely effective physiological monitoring tool.  It is a non-invasive “treatment” in which patients are connected to a computer via electrodes to obtain information such as temperature, sweat gland activity, muscle tension, breathing, and heart functioning [NOT for treating or diagnosing heart conditions]. These measurements represent common physiological reactions to anxiety, stress, chronic pain and discomfort; even depression and trauma.  This data is then “fed back” to the individual via information displayed on a computer monitor. This information can be monitored while performing relaxation exercises, hypnotherapy sessions, during psychotherapy, etc; thus making it an outstanding learning and awareness tool.

13.01.2010 Services Posts No Comments

The Darkness of Depression

Depression is a mental health condition which involves negative, lethargic, and self-loathing thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that may significantly interfere with everyday functioning.  Approximately 20 million people in the U.S. have symptoms of depression.

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13.01.2010 Services Posts No Comments

Headaches: A Big Pain in the Neck

Headaches generally include discomfort and pain around the neck, shoulder, skull, eyes, scalp, jaws, and/or forehead.  Types of headaches include migraines (vascular), tension headaches (muscle contraction), cluster headaches, sinus headaches, and what we call “Atypical Migraines” or “Painless Migraines”

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12.01.2010 Home Posts No Comments

Overview

Derek T. Schwartz, Ph.D., BCIAC

Clinical Health Psychologist

Certified Biofeedback Practitioner

License # PSY22176


Contact Information

8813 Villa La Jolla Dr.

Suite 2002

La Jolla, CA 92037-1937

Direct Line: (858) 877-0770
Fax: (858) 452-1517
E-mail: drschwartz@sandiegopsychologist.com

[Serving the San Diego region]


What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is one of many tools that Dr. Schwartz utilizes to treat health conditions and improve quality of life. It is a very basic, yet extremely effective physiological monitoring tool. It is a non-invasive “treatment” in which patients are connected to a computer via electrodes to obtain information such as temperature, sweat gland activity, muscle tension, breathing, and heart functioning [NOT for treating or diagnosing heart conditions]. Read more