Long-term efficacy of combined relaxation: biofeedback treatments for chronic headache

Pain. 1992 Oct;51(1):49-56. doi: 10.1016/0304-3959(92)90008-Y.

Abstract

Thirty-four patients having chronic idiopathic headaches participated in a long-term study comparing autogenic relaxation training alone (REL) with combinations of relaxation and electromyographic biofeedback (REL + EMG) or relaxation and temperature biofeedback (REL + TEMP). Assignment to treatment conditions was balanced on demographics and clinical characteristics, as well as headache classification according to muscle contraction or vascular headache symptomatology. The results indicate that REL + TEMP produced no additional improvements over REL following the 8-week treatment program, or at 6-month, or 12-month follow-up. However, REL + EMG produced significantly greater reductions in headache activity measures than the REL and REL + TEMP conditions at all post-treatment time points. Headache activity continued to improve over the follow-up period independent of treatment condition. These data indicate that EMG biofeedback augments long-term clinical improvements in headache patients who undergo autogenic relaxation training.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biofeedback, Psychology*
  • Body Temperature / physiology
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Headache / physiopathology
  • Headache / psychology*
  • Headache / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Relaxation Therapy*