Biofeedback devices (including devices which measure muscle stress or tension, breathing or brain waves, etc.) are actually a combination of highly sophisticated physiological recording equipment and audio and visual teaching display systems. In order to use the equipment and to help to decide which equipment to purchase, you will benefit by having some basic skills in biofeedback techniques, physiology, and biofeedback instrumentation. It is advisable to visit a BCIA certified clinician registered with the HPCSA to experience the functionality of different types of various equipment in order to make an informed decision.

It is important to gain a basic understanding of the field and the various applications of its clinical applications. Please educate yourself on the modalities of Biofeedback and its uses (see recommended reading) as well as about Neurofeedback. Each clinician will have a field of interest that will provide guidance as to which equipment will work best for your needs and practice. Visit and discuss options with clinicians in the field.

Do you want to have access to measurements of the autonomic nervous system - monitor body’s stress responses via breathing / heart rate changes / muscle tension patterns / peripheral temperature changes due to stress response or changes in Heart Rate Variability? Then consider equipment that can measure Biofeedback signals in real time. If your focus is more on the Central Nervous system and the EEG then equipment needs to be able to monitor one / two / 19 - channels of EEG in real time to do an assessment and provide different training options

It is advisable to utilize equipment that, if imported, is approved by the relevant authority. Equipment imported from America should be approved by the FDA and equipment imported from Europe should have CE conformity approval. Ensure that the equipment and device you select will be sufficient for your requirements. For example, if you intend to perform pelvic floor biofeedback with women suffering from urinary incontinence, it will not be necessary to purchase a multi-channel system capable of recording EEG. If you only want to assist clients with one major group of disorders, such as stress-related breathing problems, for which you would like to use only a few biofeedback techniques, like heart rate variability and respiration, you will only need equipment with two channels that can record heart rate and respiration. You will not need to purchase complex software or hardware with additional capabilities. However, you should be certain that this is all you will require as two channels are insufficient to perform a stress profile and for many other types of bio-/neurofeedback training. Also, the device you choose should be able to record the signals required simultaneously. Some systems can record the signals needed but not simultaneously. If possible, purchase equipment with additional capabilities to have the option of adding modalities to your repertoire at a later stage.

Sensors are the leads and signal transformers that connect the amplifier to the client. Different types of sensors are specialized for specific signals. The cost of each sensor can increase the cost of a system significantly. Ensure that you know exactly which sensors are required for the tasks you want to perform in bio-/neurofeedback. Purchase only the necessary sensors and be sure that the software of the device can support the sensors you choose. For example, if you want to record respiration patterns from the chest and abdomen simultaneously for breathing assessments relative to stress, be certain that your software and hardware can record and display these measures simultaneously.

Many small items are required for bio-/neurofeedback training sessions. These include disposable pre-gelled SEMG sensor pads, breathable tape used to attach temperature leads, conductive gel for reducing impedance, and adhesive removal pads. Most of these can be purchased from local companies. Obtain quotes from more than one company once you are sure of your requirements. You will get what you pay for so do not trade quality for cost savings.

Most modern bio-/neurofeedback devices will run on any new laptop or desktop. Some practitioners prefer to display the feedback to the client on a separate screen. Most manufacturers of good quality bio-/neurofeedback devices provide the computer specifications needed to run the device. Please check the specs required for the computer needed for specific programmes you want to use. Some programmes require a high-level graphics card and sufficient RAM. If a company insists on you purchasing a computer supplied by the company, ensure that you understand the reason for this. If software cannot be easily installed on a generic computer, be sure that you are informed about the extra costs for repair and technical support before the purchase.

Bio-/neurofeedback devices are mostly used in clinicians’ offices or clinics and occasionally transported to other locations. Almost all current bio-/neurofeedback devices can run on modern laptops which ensure portability. Many of the sensors are fragile and do not perform well while recording rapidly moving subjects, such as runners. If you intend to use the device for active sports applications, it is advisable to explore a system that transmits data from the sensor to the bio-/neurofeedback device and then from the device to a computer via a non-wired telemetry system.

It is important to try out the software for the device before purchase. Some devices require considerable time to learn while others are easier to operate. However, there may be a significant trade-off between ease of use and flexibility. Many practitioners prefer to be able to alter the feedback display screens to accommodate their needs. And some bio-/neurofeedback systems do not have this capability. Some standalone devices do not display feedback screens that are useful to the clinician or the client. Ensure that the device you choose has the capabilities that meet your requirements.

Is training necessary, accessible, and affordable? Do you have the appropriate professional training and accreditation for use of the device? Is there a good tutorial with “live” examples built into the software? Is there adequate technical support available at an affordable cost? Are the warranty, service, and repair specifications adequate for my needs?