Electromyographic biofeedback with mental imagery and home practice in the treatment of children with muscle-contraction headache.

A multiple-baseline across subjects design was used to evaluate the effects of electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback on muscle-contraction headaches reported by two adolescent females. Subsequent to baseline, each child participated in seven treatment sessions conducted over an 8-week interval. Treatment sessions consisted of 10 min of adaptation (baseline), 15 min of EMG biofeedback, and 5 min of self-control during which the child continued to decrease muscle tension without feedback. Children were instructed to practice self-control of relaxation at home. Self-reports of headache frequency, duration and intensity were recorded throughout the study. Results indicate that headache activity was reduced as a function of EMG biofeedback, mental imagery, and home practice and remained below baseline levels during 6-month and 1-year follow-up assessments. Findings are discussed in terms of the paucity of published studies investigating the efficacy of EMG biofeedback as a treatment for pediatric muscle-contraction headache.