title: Effect of EMG biofeedback compared to applied relaxation training with chronic, upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders.
abstract: This study examined the relative effectiveness of EMG biofeedback, applied relaxation training and a combined procedure in the management of chronic, upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder. Forty-eight patients with a history of about 5-6 years of upper extremity pain were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment conditions, namely applied relaxation training, EMG biofeedback, a combined approach or a wait-list control. Treatments were conducted on an individual basis, twice per week for 4 weeks. Patients in all 3 treatment conditions showed significant short-term reductions in pain and psychopathology in comparison to the wait-list group who showed minimal change. Six-month follow-up data were obtained for patients in the treatment conditions, but not the wait-list group. There was some evidence of relapse on measures of depression, anxiety and pain beliefs for treated patients during the 6-month follow-up period, although measures remained significantly below pre-treatment levels for most outcome indices. Self-monitored pain continued to decrease for the treatment groups through follow-up. Contrary to predictions, however, the strongest short-term treatment benefits were shown by patients receiving applied relaxation training on measures of pain, distress, interference in daily living, depression and anxiety. By 6-month follow-up, differences between treatment groups were no longer evident.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD4072 Australia Department of Clinical Psychology, Hounslow and Spelthorne Community Mental Health, Hounslow UK Department of Clinical Health Psychology, St. Mary's Hospital, London UK St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney Australia.
authors.forename: Susan H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Spence
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sharpe
authors.forename: Toby
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Newton-John
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Champion
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009333:Neck; D010146:Pain; D010166:Palliative Care; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012782:Shoulder; D016896:Treatment Outcome