Abstract

This study compared frontalis electromyographic (EMC) biofeedback effect with progressive muscle relaxation training on the treatment of tension headache. In order to predict the treatment effects, 1he individual values of pretreatment levels of depression, anxiety and locus of control were investigated. Biofeedback group (N = 10) received contingent EMC feedback with instruction to lower muscle activity using the auditory feedback. Relaxation training group (N=10) was instructed to practice tape recorded progressive muscle relaxation procedure. All subjects were required to record their daily headache activities on the headache diary. It was hypothesized that biofeedback group would perform better on measures of EMC levels and headache index than relaxation training group. The results showed that both procedures were highly effective for reducing EMC levels and headache complaints, but the two groups did not show difference in the mutiple regression analyses indicated that the pretreatment levels of depression and locus of control account for 48% of the variance on headache improvement index in biofeedback group. On the other hand. in relaxation group pretreatment level, of anxiety and depression account for 50% of the variance on headache improvement index. Results are discussed in terms of notion that research for predictors of treatment effects is more needed than simple direct comparison of effects of EMC biofeedback with relaxation training. For long-term effect of each of these treatment, full follow-up study is suggentced.