Frontalis EMG feedback training: An electronic panacea?

Studies dealing with the application of frontalis EMG feedback to the treatment of a variety of disorders are reveiwed. Successful applications of frontalis EMG feedback training have been reported in the treatment of muscle contraction headaches, asthma, essential hypertension, insomnia, chronic anxiety, phobias, and cerebral palsy. While available evidence does suggest that frontalis EMG feedback training may be helpful in the treatment of these disorders, these effects are equivalent but not superior to those that can be obtained using more conventional and less costly treatment techniques such as relaxation training. In addition, there appears to be a lack of clear rationale for the use of frontalis as a training site in treatment of these disorders. It is concluded that claims made about the clinical advantages of frontalis EMG biofeedback as compared to other methods of relaxation are not scientifically justified. © 1978 Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy.

Duke Scholars

Author Richard Samuel Surwit Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...

Author Francis Joseph Keefe Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...