title: Electromyographic biofeedback training for tension headache in the elderly: a prospective study.
abstract: This study evaluated the effects of a 12-session frontal electromyographic biofeedback training regimen on the headache activity of eight tension headache sufferers aged 62 and older. The biofeedback sessions were slightly modified for a geriatric population, essentially to increase comprehension and retention of rationale and instructions. Post-treatment assessment at three months revealed significant decreases in overall headache activity (50% or greater) in 50% of the subjects, and moderate improvement (35%-45%) in three of the remaining four subjects. Significant clinical and/or statistical pre-post differences were also found for the number of headache-free days, peak headache activity, and medication index. This is the first prospective study of biofeedback training for tension headache in an elderly population and, unlike previous retrospective studies, suggests that such therapy may be an effective intervention in the treatment of tension headaches in the elderly.
authors.affiliation: Biofeedback and Psychophysiological Disorders Clinic, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia 30910.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Arena
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Hannah
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Bruno
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Meador
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies