Comparative study on the efficacy of electromyography and galvanic skin resistance biofeedback in tension type headache: a single blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

AbstractTension type headache is the most widespread and most common primary headache disorder accounting for nearly 90% of all headaches. Efficacy of electromyography biofeedback in patients with tension type headache has been proven but efficacy of galvanic skin resistance biofeedback has not been studied adequately. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of electromyography biofeedback and galvanic skin resistance biofeedback in patients with tension type headache.We performed a randomized single blinded controlled study. Out of 116 recruited subjects, 91 (59 females and 32 males) were randomly assigned to three groups receiving electromyography biofeedback (n=30), galvanic skin resistance biofeedback (n=30), and a control group (n=31). Each subject (except the control group) received 15 biofeedback sessions for 30 min each in an isolated room. The control group received only medication prescribed by their physician. Each patient was blinded to the type of biofeedback being given. Pain variables, SF-36 quality of life scores, and analgesic usage were recorded at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after therapy.There was a significant difference in frequency and duration of headache in electromyography and galvanic skin resistance groups (p<0.01), whereas the control group showed significant differences in intensity (p=0.05) and duration (p<0.001). Significant improvement was seen only in total SF-36 scores after 1 year in the electromyography and control groups (p=0.03 and p=0.00, respectively). A significant drop in analgesic usage was seen in all groups at 1 year (p<0.001).Electromyography and galvanic skin resistance biofeedback are effective in the treatment of tension type headache, with electromyography biofeedback being more effective than galvanic skin resistance biofeedback.