A practical guide for biofeedback therapists and trainers
Why a brief report?
A well-written, concise biofeedback report serves as a valuable link between diagnosis, interdisciplinary communication and treatment planning. It helps colleagues (e.g. referring doctors) and patients to interpret the measurement results – in a factual, understandable and action-oriented manner.
However, it is often the case that less more: A concise, well-structured report summarises the key points – clearly, succinctly and without over-interpretation. Two versions are ideal:
- one Medical and factual wording for doctors’ letters,
- one A simple explanation for patients (e.g. as feedback during a conversation or as a handout).
What should be included in a brief biofeedback report?
The following content has proved its worth:
| Contents | Purpose |
| Test setup | What stressors were used? |
| Reaction type | An appropriate, under- or over-reaction? |
| Feedback control | How well does the body recover afterwards? |
| Notable parameters | e.g. respiration, EMG, skin conductance |
| Interpretation | What does this pattern mean in clinical terms? |
| Recommendation | Training, psychoeducation, monitoring, etc. |
Sample wording
Normal stress regulation
Doctor’s letter version:
The biofeedback stress test revealed a normal response profile. The patient responded appropriately to all stressors. Sympathicotonic increase (SCL, heart rate) with rapid return to baseline. No pathological abnormalities. No immediate need for intervention.
Patient version (plain language):
Your body reacted quite normally to the stress-inducing tasks – for example, by sweating slightly or having a faster heartbeat. Afterwards, it was able to calm down again easily. This shows that your stress response system is functioning healthily and flexibly.
Dysregulated stress processing
Doctor’s letter version:
The biofeedback stress test revealed a dysregulated stress response pattern. Increased sympathetic activity was already evident at baseline. Excessive reactions to stressors, delayed return to baseline. Strikingly high spontaneous activity of the electrodermal system, low peripheral temperature, persistent muscle tension and shallow chest breathing. Recommendation: Biofeedback training to stabilise autonomic regulation and breathing control.
Patient version:
Your body was tense right from the start and reacted very strongly to the stress tasks. Even afterwards, you found it difficult to calm down again. This is a sign that your stress response system is currently overactive. We can help you relax more quickly through targeted training.
An unobtrusive profile with increased muscle tone
Doctor’s letter version:
Overall, an unremarkable biofeedback stress profile with an appropriate response and downregulation. A consistently elevated EMG tone in the trapezius muscle was noted, with no ability to relax throughout the measurement period. This suggests residual muscular tension (possibly stress-related). Recommendation: EMG biofeedback or muscle-specific relaxation therapy.
Patient version:
Overall, your body responded well to the stress tasks. However, your shoulder muscles remained tense throughout – even during the rest period. This often happens unconsciously due to posture or stress. Targeted relaxation training could help here.
Tips for drafting written reports
- Short & sweet: 5–6 sentences are quite enough.
- Facts first: What was objectively measurable?
- Interpretation based on that: What does this mean in clinical terms?
- Appreciative & resource-oriented wordings – particularly in the patient version.
- For doctors’ letters: Technical language, but no speculation out of context.
Bonus: Sentence templates for medical reports
| Findings | Wording of a doctor’s letter | Simple language |
| Have a good rest | „Rapid recovery following stressors“ | „Your body is good at calming itself down“ |
| High stress levels | „Increased baseline activity of the sympathetic nervous system“ | „Her body was tense even before the test“ |
| Chest breathing | „Shallow, thoracic breathing with an increased rate“ | „They are breathing rapidly and mainly using their chest“ |
| High muscle tone | „Persistent tension on the EMG (particularly in the trapezius muscle)“ | „Her shoulders were tense the whole time“ |
| Temperature low | „Peripheral vasoconstriction, no rise in temperature“ | „Her hands tended to stay cool – even when she was resting“ |
Conclusion:
A concise and accurate biofeedback report is more than just documentation – it provides clarity for practitioners and clients alike. The more clearly we collect, describe and explain the data, the more effective our joint work on stress management, self-regulation and health will be.
Thank you very much for this helpful post!!!