Effectiveness of multiple-site EMG biofeedback in the reduction of arousal. 1982

M C Shirley, and T G Burish, and C Rowe

During the training phase, 36 subjects received (a) EMG biofeedback from multiple muscle sites, (b) EMG biofeedback from the frontal site, or (c) no biofeedback. Results indicated that neither biofeedback procedure reduced self-reports of anxiety, but that multiple-site biofeedback was effective in reducing several indices of autonomic arousal (pulse rate, finger pulse volume, and skin temperature) while frontal biofeedback was not. During the generalization/stress phase, all subjects were threatened with and received electric shocks and were told to apply the relaxation techniques they learned during the training phase even though no additional biofeedback would be provided. Results indicated that multiple-site biofeedback was effective in reducing self-reports of anxiety and autonomic arousal but that frontal biofeedback was not. These results confirm previous data indicating that frontal biofeedback is not an effective procedure for controlling stress, but suggest that EMG biofeedback can be effective in reducing self-reported anxiety and autonomic arousal if a multiple muscle-site feedback procedure is employed.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008406 Masseter Muscle A masticatory muscle whose action is closing the jaws. Masseter Muscles,Muscle, Masseter,Muscles, Masseter
D009334 Neck Muscles The neck muscles consist of the platysma, splenius cervicis, sternocleidomastoid(eus), longus colli, the anterior, medius, and posterior scalenes, digastric(us), stylohyoid(eus), mylohyoid(eus), geniohyoid(eus), sternohyoid(eus), omohyoid(eus), sternothyroid(eus), and thyrohyoid(eus). Muscle, Neck,Muscles, Neck,Neck Muscle
D011674 Pulse The rhythmical expansion and contraction of an ARTERY produced by waves of pressure caused by the ejection of BLOOD from the left ventricle of the HEART as it contracts. Pulses
D012064 Relaxation Therapy Treatment to improve one's health condition by using techniques that can reduce PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS; PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS; or both. Relaxation Techniques,Therapeutic Relaxation,Ecotherapy,Nature Therapy,Relaxation Technics,Therapy, Relaxation,Ecotherapies,Nature Therapies,Relaxation Technic,Relaxation Technique,Relaxation, Therapeutic,Technic, Relaxation,Technique, Relaxation,Techniques, Relaxation,Therapy, Nature
D004576 Electromyography Recording of the changes in electric potential of muscle by means of surface or needle electrodes. Electromyogram,Surface Electromyography,Electromyograms,Electromyographies,Electromyographies, Surface,Electromyography, Surface,Surface Electromyographies
D004597 Electroshock Induction of a stress reaction in experimental subjects by means of an electrical shock; applies to either convulsive or non-convulsive states. Electroconvulsive Shock,Electroconvulsive Shocks,Electroshocks,Shock, Electroconvulsive,Shocks, Electroconvulsive
D005152 Facial Muscles Muscles of facial expression or mimetic muscles that include the numerous muscles supplied by the facial nerve that are attached to and move the skin of the face. (From Stedman, 25th ed) Mimetic Muscles,Facial Muscle,Mimetic Muscle,Muscle, Facial,Muscle, Mimetic,Muscles, Facial,Muscles, Mimetic
D005260 Female Females
D005793 Generalization, Psychological The phenomenon of an organism's responding to all situations similar to one in which it has been conditioned. Generalization (Psychology),Generalization, Psychology,Generalizations (Psychology),Generalizations, Psychological,Generalizations, Psychology,Psychological Generalization,Psychological Generalizations,Psychology Generalization,Psychology Generalizations

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