Sequential comparisons of relaxation training and biofeedback in the treatment of three kinds of chronic headache or, the machines may be necessary some time of the time

Authors

• Edward B. Blanchard, State University of New York Albany
• Frank Andrasik, State University of New York Albany
• Debra F. Neff, State University of New York Albany
• Steven J. Teders, State University of New York Albany
• Thomas P. Pallmeyer, State University of New York Albany
• John G. Arena, State University of New York Albany
• Susan E. Jurish, State University of New York Albany
• Nancy L. Saunders, State University of New York Albany
• Tim A. Ahles, State University of New York Albany
• Lawrence D. Rodichok, Albany Medical College

Abstract

Two studies are reported in which patients with chronic headache, who did not improve significantly as a result of a 10-session, 8-week relaxation training program, were subsequently treated with biofeedback. For the tension headache sufferers, 36% of the relaxation non-responders showed significant improvement with frontal EMG biofeedback training. For those with vascular headaches, 44% of the relaxation non-responders showed significant improvement with thermal biofeedback. Vascular headache patients with combined migraine and tension symptoms did better than those with only migraine. Psychological test scores significantly differentiated successful vs non-successful biofeedback responders. © 1982.

Publication Title

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Recommended Citation

Blanchard, E., Andrasik, F., Neff, D., Teders, S., Pallmeyer, T., Arena, J., Jurish, S., Saunders, N., Ahles, T., & Rodichok, L. (1982). Sequential comparisons of relaxation training and biofeedback in the treatment of three kinds of chronic headache or, the machines may be necessary some time of the time. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 20 (5), 469-481. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(82)90068-7