A Comparison of Frontal Electromyographic Biofeedback Training, Trapezius Electromyographic Biofeedback Training, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy in the Treatment of Tension Headache

Abstract

This study is the first systematic examination of a trapezius EMG biofeedback training regimen with tension headache sufferers. It evaluated the differential effects of three psychophysiological treatments for tension headache: (1) a standard 12-session frontal EMG biofeedback training regimen (n = 8), (2) a 12-session upper trapezius EMG biofeedback training regimen (n = 10), and (3) a standard seven-session progressive muscle relaxation therapy regimen (n = 8). Posttreatment assessment at 3 months following cessation of treatment revealed clinically significant decreases in overall headache activity (50% or greater) in 50% of subjects in the frontal biofeedback group, 100% in the trapezius biofeedback group, and 37.5% in the relaxation therapy group. Chi-squared analyses indicated that the trapezius biofeedback group was more effective in obtaining significant clinical improvement than the frontal biofeedback and relaxation therapy groups (which did not differ from each other). The three treatments did not differ on secondary measures of headache improvement (number of headache-free days, peak headache activity, and medication index). Implications for the psychophysiological treatment of tension headache, as well as future research directions, are discussed.

Are changes in pain induced by myofeedback training related to changes in muscle activation patterns in patients with work-related myalgia?

“…The present study indeed shows that myofeedback training results in changes in muscle activation patterns (decreases in RMS and increases in RRT) and in a decrease in perceived pain. These results are in line with other studies investigating the effects of traditional myofeedback training on pain (Stuckey et al 1986;Arena et al 1995;Rockici et al 1997). It should be noted that comparison with these other studies is hampered by the fact that the myofeedback training provided in this study is quite different from traditional myofeedback; firstly, it is an ambulatory training in the subjects' own environment, and secondly, feedback is given based on the level of muscular rest instead of on the level of muscle activation.…”

Symptom Presentation and Symptom Meaning Among Traumatized Cambodian Refugees: Relevance to a Somatically Focused Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

“…Catastrophic cognitions-Anxiety states, particularly panic, are associated with increased tension in the neck and shoulder musculature (e.g., the trapezius muscle; see Beck & Scott, 1988), which may produce pain (Arena, Bruno, Hannah, & Meador, 1995;Hazlett, McLeod, & Hoehn-Saric, 1994;Noyes & Hoehn-Saric, 1998, p. 57). Cambodians attribute neck tension to excessive Wind and blood pressure that may rupture the neck vessels.…”

Reduction in Drug Prescription using Biofeedback Relaxation in Neurotic and Psychosomatic Disorders

“…In Group 2 at the end of 12 weeks, 17/23 showed anxiety levels in the range of mild 6/23 (26.08%) and [12][13][14][15]. Two cases of headache in Group 2 did well on biofeedback, EMG and EEG.…”