The Use of E.M.G. Biofeedback to Promote Relaxation and Relief of Chronic Low Back Pain
type: CreativeWork
description: The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if relaxation instruction and electromyographic (E.M.G.) feedback would reduce chronic low back pain. A secondary aim was to determine if the locus of control variable as defined by Rotter would influence the results obtained. Fourteen non-hospitalized subjects with chronic low back pain, meeting the criteria of this study became the sample group. The training program consisted of six 30-minute sessions during which the subjects were taught relaxation with the use of a feedback electromyograph and relaxation instructions. After an interval of two weeks, a seventh session was conducted to evaluate if the relaxation learned could be maintained without frequent training sessions. The subjects also practiced relaxation twice daily at home between training sessions. A daily record of analgesics, sedatives and muscle relaxants taken three days before, during and two weeks after the training sessions was kept by the subjects. In a preliminary orientation session, demographic data was collected. principles of relaxation and biofeedback were discussed and the subjects completed Rotter's Internal-External Scale questionnaire. According to their scores they were ranked and dichotomized into two groups, those having greater internal locus of control and those having greater external locus of control. Seven subjects fell into each category. Data was analyzed and conclusions drawn on the basis of changes in the average pain scores, the changes in the amount of medication required and the decreases in the E.M.G. microvolt levels. A t-test showed a significant difference between baseline pain recordings and those of the week before the sixth session. There was also a significant difference between the baseline record and the average of the week before the seventh session. A decrease in the amount of medication required was noted. No attempt was made to analyze this variable statistically because of the limited number of subject…
abstract: The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if relaxation instruction and electromyographic (E.M.G.) feedback would reduce chronic low back pain. A secondary aim was to determine if the locus of control variable as defined by Rotter would influence the results obtained. Fourteen non-hospitalized subjects with chronic low back pain, meeting the criteria of this study became the sample group. The training program consisted of six 30-minute sessions during which the subjects were taught relaxation with the use of a feedback electromyograph and relaxation instructions. After an interval of two weeks, a seventh session was conducted to evaluate if the relaxation learned could be maintained without frequent training sessions. The subjects also practiced relaxation twice daily at home between training sessions. A daily record of analgesics, sedatives and muscle relaxants taken three days before, during and two weeks after the training sessions was kept by the subjects. In a preliminary orientation session, demographic data was collected. principles of relaxation and biofeedback were discussed and the subjects completed Rotter's Internal-External Scale questionnaire. According to their scores they were ranked and dichotomized into two groups, those having greater internal locus of control and those having greater external locus of control. Seven subjects fell into each category. Data was analyzed and conclusions drawn on the basis of changes in the average pain scores, the changes in the amount of medication required and the decreases in the E.M.G. microvolt levels. A t-test showed a significant difference between baseline pain recordings and those of the week before the sixth session. There was also a significant difference between the baseline record and the average of the week before the seventh session. A decrease in the amount of medication required was noted. No attempt was made to analyze this variable statistically because of the limited number of subject…
author: Fashina, Esther
author: Holm, Dorothy
language: English
keywords: Nursing, Pain Management, Backache; Biofeedback (Psychology)
date published: 1974-05-01T07:00:00Z
date modified: 2026-07-24T02:53:37Z
provider: Loma Linda University
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Loma Linda University