Surface EMG home trainers or progressive relaxation training: Comparing home practice interventions for the treatment of coexisting migraine and tension -type pediatric headache

This research sought to determine which type of home practice (surface EMG home trainers or progressive relaxation) proved most effective in alleviating coexisting pediatric migraine and tension-type headache. Subjects were randomized into two groups that were either assigned a surface EMG home trainer or a progressive muscle relaxation CD to practice at home. Subjects (N=15) participated in the 12-week study that entailed establishing a four-week baseline period wherein subjects recorded headache episodes in a headache symptom log. This was followed by a second four-week treatment intervention phase consisting of progressive relaxation and surface EMG biofeedback in the clinic. Following this intervention phase, home practice and clinic visits ended. Subjects then kept a final four-week record of headache episodes. The mean age of subjects was 11.5. The headache symptom log was the outcome measure that recorded headache frequency, duration, and intensity. While there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups, there was a slight trend toward surface EMG home trainer practice as more effective in reducing headache duration and intensity. The findings are consistent with past studies that support home practice as an essential component to treatment success for children to independently manage headache pain. Directions for future research are discussed that include the need for a larger sample size to determine statistical significance and refining the methodological procedure to sustain children's interest