The effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted relaxation in modifying sickle cell crises.
Eight outpatients with sickle cell disease received six EMG and six thermal half-hour biofeedback training sessions. Statistically significant changes in the desired directions were obtained for the following variables: (a) frontalis muscle tension, (b) digital temperature, (c) frequency of headache as a crisis symptom, (d) frequency of analgesic use, (e) perceived pain intensity, (f) frequency of self-treated crises, and (g) state anxiety. Nonsignificant changes in hospital chart data were found. A 6-month posttreatment follow-up questionnaire revealed the continued effectiveness of the training received regarding headaches and mild pains.
Cozzi
L
L
Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, New York 10458.
Tryon
W W
WW
Sedlacek
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004576:Electromyography; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012063:Relaxation