THE ROLE OF FEEDBACK IN VOLUNTARY CONTROL OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN INSTRUCTED SUBJECTS1

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Abstract
Normal male volunteers (40) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental conditions and instructed to raise and lower their systolic blood pressure. Subjects [Ss] received either beat-to-beat feedback contingent on pressure changes, noncontingent beat-to-beat feedback, noncontingent feedback presented randomly with respect to the occurrence of each heart beat, or instructions alone. The order of increase and decrease trial blocks was counterbalanced across groups. Ss receiving contingent feedback were monetarily rewarded for appropriate pressure changes. Ss receiving noncontingent feedback received rewards and feedback equal to the mean received by the contingent group. Ss in the instructions-only condition were also paid this bonus but were informed of their earnings only at the conclusion of the experiment. In the presence of instructions, feedback, whether contingent or noncontingent, added little to Ss ability to control pressure during a single session. Theoretical and clinical implications were discussed.