Abstract

The present study was designed to test the effects of electromyographic(EMG) biofeedback training and cognitive therapy on headache reduction, self-efficacy and levels of health locus of control in tension headache patients. Seventeen tension headache patients were randomly assinged either to a group receiving EMG biofeedback training(n=9) or to a cognitive therapy(n=8). From baseline state to post-treatment(60days), all subjects were required to report their daily headache activities on headache diary and to complete self-efficacy scale and health locus of control scale at before and after treatment. There were 8 treatment session(50 minutes each, one session every 5days) in treatment. A comparison of overall headache activity (headache index) revealed that both treatments were highly effective and nearly eqivalent for reducing headache complaints. Also, both EMG biofeedback training and cognitive therapy produced an increased sense of self-efficacy and internal locus of control. There were positive correlations between EMG level reduction and headache index reduction. These findings suggested that the mechanism of action for EMG biofeedback training involve cognitive as well as physiological components. Finally, implications, restrictions and suggestions of the present study were discussed.