The Cervico-Brachial Pain Syndrome: Muscle Activity and Pain Relief

Abstract

The investigators explored whether electromyographic (EMG) mediated biofeedback would help patients with cervico-brachial pain syndrome (CBPS) reduce muscle contraction and aid in pain relief. Twenty seven volunteer subjects with medically diagnosed CBPS were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received EMG biofeedback mediated muscle relaxation of the neck for five, 40 minute sessions. The participants in the other group acted as "wait list" controls, and in turn, received treatment at the end of the study. Pre and post intervention measures consisted of EMG recordings of neck muscle activity; self-report measures of neck and general body relaxation, level of pain intensity, depression, anxiety and functional impairment. The results indicated that neck muscle activity, as measured by EMG, was significantly lower at the end of training. Associated with this reduction were a significant increase in self-reported neck and body relaxation and a significant reduction in the average intensity level of pain experienced by subjects over the pre to post intervention period. No changes were reported for the other measures.