Biofeedback Mobile App for Military Service Members

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.—The Department of Defense has released a smart phone mobile application to help service members use the therapeutic benefits of biofeedback. BioZen, a mobile app from the Defense Department’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology, known as T2, uses wireless sensors to show the user their physical level of relaxation. It is the first portable, low-cost method for clinicians and patients to use biofeedback in and out of the clinic. “Mastering biofeedback successfully is difficult and frustrating for many people,” said Dr. David Cooper, T2 psychologist. “This app takes many of the large medical sensors found in a clinic and puts them in the hands of anyone with a smart phone. BioZen makes it easier for anyone to get started with biofeedback.” BioZen shows real-time data from multiple body sensors including electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG), galvanic skin response (GSR), electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), respiratory rate, and skin temperature. Each sensor sends a separate signal to the phone so users can see how their body is responding to their behavior.