Budzynski et al (1973)

Aims

To see whether biofeedback is an effective method of reducing tension headaches.

Procedures

Experimental method, patients trained in a laboratory.

18 participants, who replied to an advertisement in a local paper in Colorado.

Independent groups Design = divided in 3 groups randomly:

• Group A and B – given 16 sessions of biofeedback training
• Group A- taught relaxation techniques and told the ‘clicks’ on machine would reflect their muscle tension.
• Group B – told to concentrate on varying clicks and given pseudo-feedback.
• Group C – control group = no training, told it would begin in 2 months

 For 2 weeks, patients kept a record of their headache.

Findings

• Muscle tension of Group A significantly different than Group B by the end of training.
• After 3 months, Group A’s tension was lower than Group B’s.
• Group A reported headaches dropped significantly from their baseline and were less than Group B and C.
• Drug usage in Group A decreased more than Group B.

 Conclusions

Biofeedback is an effective way at training patients to relax and reduce their tension headaches.

Relaxation training is more effective than just being monitored, but it is better when used together with biofeedback.

Strengths:

• Good method for children – Attanasio et al (1985) suggested that the method is particularly suitable for children because they treat it as a game, so are interested and motivated in procedure. Also, children are less sceptical about their ability to succeed and they are more likely to practice training at home.
• Useful – does not only concentrate on symptoms but on problems and prodcued positive outcomes.

 Weaknesses:

• Expensive –  it requires scientific equipment such as heart rate and blood pressure machines and trained clinician to control these ; therefore, it can be a costly measure to manage stress.
• Permanent treatment