Relaxation Task Research Articles

Proprioceptive Feedback Facilitates Motor Imagery-Related Operant Learning of Sensorimotor β-Band Modulation

Motor imagery (MI) activates the sensorimotor system independent of actual movements and might be facilitated by neurofeedback. Knowledge on the interaction between feedback modality and the involved frequency bands during MI-related brain self-regulation is still scarce. Previous studies compared the cortical activity during the MI task with concurrent feedback (MI with feedback condition) to cortical activity during the relaxation task where no feedback was provided (relaxation without feedback condition). The observed differences might, therefore, be related to either the task or the feedback. A proper comparison would necessitate studying a relaxation condition with feedback and a MI task condition without feedback as well. Right-handed healthy subjects performed two tasks, i.e., MI and relaxation, in alternating order. Each of the tasks (MI vs. relaxation) was studied with and without feedback. The respective event-driven oscillatory activity, i.e., sensorimotor desynchronization (during MI) or synchronization (during relaxation), was rewarded with contingent feedback. Importantly, feedback onset was delayed to study the task-related cortical activity in the absence of feedback provision during the delay period. The reward modality was alternated every 15 trials between proprioceptive and visual feedback. Proprioceptive input was superior to visual input to increase the range of task-related spectral perturbations in the α- and β-band, and was necessary to consistently achieve MI-related sensorimotor desynchronization (ERD) significantly below baseline. These effects occurred in task periods without feedback as well. The increased accuracy and duration of learned brain self-regulation achieved in the proprioceptive condition was specific to the β-band. MI-related operant learning of brain self-regulation is facilitated by proprioceptive feedback and mediated in the sensorimotor β-band.

Evaluation of an EEG/Electro-dermal Hybrid Device to Ascertain a User’s Attentional State

The purpose of this study was to evaluate an alleged EEG amplifier’s, the Freer Logic BodyWave, ability to record EEG by comparing its signals to those recorded at the same time by a proven EEG amplifier, the Emotiv EPOC+. The BodyWave’s circuitry is similar to that of an Electro-dermal Activity meter and alleges to record surface-EEG from a limb of the user. The EPOC+ has been proven in previous studies to record signals of high-enough quality to be used in research, whilst the BodyWave is unproven. In order to compare their recordings, both EEGs were worn simultaneously whilst different stimuli induced various brain states. 15 participants were recruited and each subjected to two different experimental paradigms meant to induce increased attention and increased relaxation. Both headsets achieved a classification accuracy well above chance when differentiating between the attention and relaxation tasks. Further testing provided evidence that data from the alpha and beta frequency bands was contributing the most to the classifier’s accuracy. However the total lack of correlation between the signals of the two devices strongly implies that the BodyWave is not measuring EEG. Despite this these results show that in some cases it can be used in place of an EEG to perform a similar function. It also proved to be much more robust against muscle artefacts compared to the EPOC+.

Control Strategies for Accurate Force Generation and Relaxation

Characteristics and motor strategies for force generation and force relaxation were examined using graded tasks during isometric force control. Ten female college students (M age = 20.2 yr., SD = 1.1) were instructed to accurately control the force of isometric elbow flexion using their right arm to match a target force level as quickly as possible. They performed: (1) a generation task, wherein they increased their force from 0% maximum voluntary force to 20% maximum voluntary force (0%-20%), 40% maximum voluntary force (0%-40%), or 60% maximum voluntary force (0%-60%) and (2) and a relaxation task, in which they decreased their force from 60% maximum voluntary force to 40% maximum voluntary force (60%-40%), 20% maximum voluntary force (60%-20%), or to 0% maximum voluntary force (60%-0%). Produced force parameters of point of accuracy (force level, error), quickness (reaction time, adjustment time, rate of force development), and strategy (force wave, rate of force development) were analyzed. Errors of force relaxation were all greater, and reaction times shorter, than those of force generation. Adjustment time depended on the magnitude of force and peak rates of force development and force relaxation differed. Controlled relaxation of force is more difficult with low magnitude of force control.

Time Course of Corticospinal Excitability and Intracortical Inhibition Just before Muscle Relaxation

Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), we investigated how short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) was involved with transient motor cortex (M1) excitability changes observed just before the transition from muscle contraction to muscle relaxation. Ten healthy participants performed a simultaneous relaxation task of the ipsilateral finger and foot, relaxing from 10% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force after the go signal. In the simple reaction time (RT) paradigm, single or paired TMS pulses were randomly delivered after the go signal, and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle. We analyzed the time course prior to the estimated relaxation reaction time (RRT), defined here as the onset of voluntary relaxation. SICI decreased in the 80–100 ms before RRT, and MEPs were significantly greater in amplitude in the 60–80 ms period before RRT than in the other intervals in single-pulse trials. TMS pulses did not effectively increase RRT. These results show that cortical excitability in the early stage, before muscle relaxation, plays an important role in muscle relaxation control. SICI circuits may vary between decreased and increased activation to continuously maintain muscle relaxation during or after a relaxation response. With regard to M1 excitability dynamics, we suggest that SICI also dynamically changes throughout the muscle relaxation process.

Assessment of Smartphone Technology to Measure Electrodermal Activity: A validation study

Event Abstract Back to Event Assessment of Smartphone Technology to Measure Electrodermal Activity: A validation study Lisa Lole1*, Alex M. Russell1, Raven Wolfram1, Amida Dean1 and Nerilee Hing1 1 Central Queensland University, Australia Aim: Measuring electrodermal activity (EDA) both in laboratory settings and in the field usually requires the use of sophisticated and costly recording equipment. The current study sought to examine whether EDA data recorded with a new Smartphone application and associated recording device would produce comparable results to those obtained by traditional laboratory-based equipment. Methods EDA was simultaneously recorded using the smartphone application, eSense (Mindfield Biosystems Ltd) and ProComp Infiniti (Thought Technology Ltd) while participants (n = 20) completed a number of tasks. After a resting baseline was recorded, participants engaged in a light exercise task, a deep breathing relaxation task, a visual discrimination task, an auditory habituation task, and a complex cognitive processing task. Results: A fairly strong correlation was found between the data obtained using the eSense smartphone application and data recorded using the ProComp Infiniti recording device, r(19) = .85, p < .000. While the general EDA trace appeared to be comparable between the two devices, the main factor contributing to the lack of a strong correlation between the two pieces of equipment appeared to be a slight time lag in the eSense recording application. Conclusions: The results of the current study showed reasonable success of the eSense smartphone application to be used in research settings. Further development of the application and equipment could greatly benefit EDA research by providing a low-cost and portable way of measuring EDA either in a laboratory or in the field. Keywords: Electrodermal activity, smartphone, Validation, Smartphone application, skin conductance level Conference: ASP2016 - The 26th Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, Adelaide Australia, Adelaide,SA, Australia, 12 Dec - 14 Dec, 2016. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Abstract (student award) Citation: Lole L, Russell AM, Wolfram R, Dean A and Hing N (2016). Assessment of Smartphone Technology to Measure Electrodermal Activity: A validation study. Conference Abstract: ASP2016 - The 26th Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, Adelaide Australia. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2016.221.00007 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 21 Nov 2016; Published Online: 05 Dec 2016. * Correspondence: Dr. Lisa Lole, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Australia, l.lole@cqu.edu.au Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Lisa Lole Alex M Russell Raven Wolfram Amida Dean Nerilee Hing Google Lisa Lole Alex M Russell Raven Wolfram Amida Dean Nerilee Hing Google Scholar Lisa Lole Alex M Russell Raven Wolfram Amida Dean Nerilee Hing PubMed Lisa Lole Alex M Russell Raven Wolfram Amida Dean Nerilee Hing Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Assessing embodied interpersonal emotion regulation in somatic symptom disorders: a case study.

The aim of the present study was to examine the intra- and interpersonal emotion regulation of patients with somatic symptom disorders (SSDs) during interactions with significant others (i.e., romantic partners). We presented two case couples for analysis. The first couple consisted of a patient with SSD and his healthy partner, whereas the second couple consisted of two healthy partners. The couples underwent an interpersonal experiment that involved baseline, anger and relaxation tasks. During each task, partners’ cutaneous facial temperature, heart rate and skin conductance levels were measured simultaneously. Participants’ trait-emotion regulation, state-affect reports for self and other, and attachment styles were also examined. The experimental phases were successful in creating variations in physiological processes and affective experience. As expected, emotion regulation difficulties predicted higher increase in the course of temperature at each phase. Besides, the patient showed restricted awareness and reflection to emotions despite his higher autonomic activity compared to healthy controls. Both partners of the first couple revealed limited ability in understanding the other’s emotions, whereas the second couple performed relatively better in that domain. The temperature variations between the patient and his partner were significantly correlated while the correlations of temperature changes between the second couple were negligible except anger task. The study supported the merits of an embodied interpersonal approach in clinical studies. The tentative results of the cases were discussed in the light of findings in emotion regulation and attachment research.

The Relationship Among Psychological and Psychophysiological Characteristics of Fibromyalgia Patients

This study examined the relationship of psychophysiological response patterns in fibromyalgia with psychological characteristics and comorbid mental disorders. Surface electromyographic data, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and skin conductance levels were recorded continuously during baseline, stress, and relaxation tasks. Cluster analysis revealed 4 subgroups of patients who differed on pain characteristics and cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to pain and stress. The largest group (46.7%) was characterized by elevated blood pressure levels and stress reactivity (a disposition assumed to be a vulnerability factor for the development of diseases) associated with pain, anxiety, physical interference, low activity, and pain behaviors. A second group (41.6%) showed low baseline blood pressure and reactivity, and high activity and stress. A third group (9.2%) displayed high baseline skin conductance level, reactivity, and depression, and a fourth small group (2.5%) displayed elevated baseline electromyographic response and reactivity with high levels of anxiety and depression. These data suggest that unique psychophysiological response patterns are associated with psychological coping and mental disorders in fibromyalgia patients. The identification of the mechanisms that contribute to these group differences will further our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of fibromyalgia and suggest differential treatment strategies. PerspectiveThis article presents psychological characteristics and comorbidity with mental disorders of psychophysiological subgroups of fibromyalgia patients. This mechanistic analysis will assist scientific identification of systems-based pathways that contribute to autonomic and stress mechanisms that mediate chronic pain. Demonstration of distinct, homogeneous subgroups is an important step towards personalized, mechanism-oriented treatments.

Muscle contraction and relaxation-response time in response to on or off status of visual stimulus.

BackgroundIt is unclear whether response time is affected by a stimulus cue, such as a light turned on or off, or if there are differences in response to these cues during a muscle contraction task compared with a muscle relaxation task. The objective of this study was to assess the response time of a relaxation task, including the contraction portion of the task, to a stimulus of a light turned on or off. In addition, we investigated the effect of the pre-contraction level on the relaxation task.ResultsContraction response time was significantly shorter during the light-on status than during the light-off status (P <0.01), and relaxation response time in each maximum voluntary contraction was significantly longer during the light-on status than during the light-off status (P <0.01). The relaxation response time became longer in order of 25% to 75% maximum voluntary contraction regardless of light-on or -off status, and was significantly longer than the contraction response time (P <0.05-0.01).ConclusionsThis study found that as the contraction level increased, the relaxation response time became longer than the contraction response time regardless of light status. However, contraction response time or relaxation response time findings were opposite to this during the light-on status and light-off status: contraction response time became shorter in the light-on status than in the light-off status and relaxation response time became longer in the light-on status than in the light-off status. These results suggest that the length of each response time is affected by motor control in the higher order brain and involves specific processing in the visual system.

Effect of volitional relaxation and motor imagery on F wave and MEP: Do these tasks affect excitability of the spinal or cortical motor neurons?

Objective To test if simple motor imagery, like thumb abduction, preferentially influences the excitability of the spinal or cortical motoneurons. Methods Ten healthy subjects underwent two separate experiments, each consisting of recording F waves and MEPs from abductor pollicis brevis (APB) in three consecutive sessions: (1) baseline, (2) after immobilizing APB for 3 h, and (3) after brief muscle exercise. During the immobilization, the subjects were instructed to volitionally relax APB in experiment 1 (relaxation task), and mentally simulate thumb abduction without actual movement in experiment 2 (imagery task). Results Relaxation task suppressed both MEPs and F waves. Motor imagery reduced this suppression, restoring F waves nearly completely (94%) and MEPs only partially (77%). Hence, the rest-induced decline of MEPs in part results from cortical modulation. In contrast, statistical analysis revealed no differences in imagery-induced recovery of motoneuron excitabilities whether assessed by F wave or MEP. Thus, increased excitability of spinal motoneurons responsible for F-wave changes also accounts for recovery of MEPs. Conclusions Volitional relaxation depresses the spinal and cortical motoneurons, whereas mental simulation counters rest-induced suppression primarily by restoring spinal excitability. Significance The present findings help elucidate physiologic mechanisms underlying motor imagery.

Are obsessive–compulsive tendencies related to reliance on external proxies for internal states? Evidence from biofeedback-aided relaxation studies

This article presents two studies that examine the hypothesis that obsessive–compulsive (OC) tendencies are associated with a general deficiency in subjective conviction, which leads to seeking and reliance on external proxies to compensate for that deficiency. We examined this hypothesis using a biofeedback-aided relaxation procedure. In Study 1 low OC participants performed better on a relaxation task than high OC participants. More importantly, viewing the biofeedback monitor (an external proxy for the internal state of relaxation) had a different effect on the two groups: Whereas high OC participants performed better, low OC participants did not. In addition, when given the opportunity, high OC participants requested the biofeedback monitor more than did the low OC participants. In Study 2 high OC participants were more affected by false biofeedback when judging their level of relaxation compared to low OC participants. Real relaxation level differences between the two false biofeedback phases among the two groups were not found. These results provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that obsessive–compulsive disorder is associated with deficient subjective conviction in internal states and increased reliance on external proxies. Implications for the understanding of OCD-related rules and rituals as well as for cognitive therapy for OCD are discussed.

Bacteria Hunt

The multimodal, multi-paradigm brain-computer interfacing (BCI) game Bacteria Hunt was used to evaluate two aspects of BCI interaction in a gaming context. One goal was to examine the effect of feedback on the ability of the user to manipulate his mental state of relaxation. This was done by having one condition in which the subject played the game with real feedback, and another with sham feedback. The feedback did not seem to affect the game experience (such as sense of control and tension) or the objective indicators of relaxation, alpha activity and heart rate. The results are discussed with regard to clinical neurofeedback studies. The second goal was to look into possible interactions between the two BCI paradigms used in the game: steady-state visually-evoked potentials (SSVEP) as an indicator of concentration, and alpha activity as a measure of relaxation. SSVEP stimulation activates the cortex and can thus block the alpha rhythm. Despite this effect, subjects were able to keep their alpha power up, in compliance with the instructed relaxation task. In addition to the main goals, a new SSVEP detection algorithm was developed and evaluated.

Motor Imagery Facilitates the Spinal Motor Neurons Without Hemispheric Asymmetry

To determine possible hemispheric differences of motor imagery in facilitating the anterior horn cells. We conducted a side-to-side comparison of motor imagery to counter rest-induced suppression of spinal motor neurons in 10 right-handed healthy adults using the F wave as a measure of excitability. Studies consisted of sequential recording of F waves from the abductor pollicis brevis with 100 supramaximal stimuli applied to the median nerve on three consecutive sessions: (1) after standardized hand exercise to establish the baseline; (2) after immobilizing abductor pollicis brevis bilaterally for 3 hours, with one side assigned to relaxation task and the other side to motor imagery task; and (3) after standardized hand exercise to assess a recovery. The same sequence was repeated, switching the side of relaxation and motor imagery tasks. F-wave persistence and average amplitude showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) from baseline after relaxation task, recovering quickly after exercise, but no change (P > 0.05) after motor imagery task. The results showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) between dominant and nondominant hands. Motor imagery facilitates the spinal motor neurons without hemispheric asymmetry.

Task-Specific Speed Preferences When Sitting on a Rotary Dynamic Seat

Eleven subjects, 5 male and 6 female, all with back pain, performed 3 times 10-minute tasks separated by 2 × 10-minute relaxation tasks, while sitting for one 1-hour session on a rotary dynamic seat (DS). Ss preferred different speed settings depending on task. Ss chose to have no motion (speed setting 0) for “active tasks” (writing, typing, and using the mouse) and moderate speed (speed setting 3 or 4) for passive (relaxation) tasks. Subjective responses showed that Ss needed to concentrate and felt the movement was interfering with performance and attention during active tasks. Ss found the DS relaxing and soothing during passive tasks, which required less concentration and performance.

Effect of motion imagery to counter rest-induced suppression of F-wave as a measure of anterior horn cell excitability

Objective To test if motor imagery prevents the rest-induced suppression of anterior horn cell excitability. Methods Ten healthy subjects underwent two separate experiments, each consisting of stimulating the median nerve 100 times and recording F-waves from abductor pollicis brevis (APB) in three consecutive sessions: (1) after muscle exercise to standardize the baseline, (2) after immobilization of APB for 3 h and (3) after muscle exercise to check recovery. We instructed the subject to volitionally relax APB in experiment 1 (relaxation task), and to periodically simulate thumb abduction without actual movement in experiment 2 (imagery task). Results F-wave persistence and amplitude declined after relaxation task and recovered quickly after exercise, but changed little with imagery task. F-wave latencies showed no change when analyzed individually. The frequency distribution of collective F-waves recorded from all subjects remained the same after relaxation task, but showed a shift toward longer latencies after imagery task. Conclusions Mental imagery without overt motor output suffices to counter the effect of sustained volitional muscle relaxation, which would, otherwise, cause a reversible reduction in anterior horn cell excitability. Significance This finding documents the importance of central drive for spinal excitability, which affects F-wave studies of a paretic muscle.

The psychological effect of an urban environment on individuals with persecutory delusions: The Camberwell walk study

Background Epidemiological studies have found that individuals who live in urban areas are at increased risk of developing psychosis. However it is unknown whether exposure to urban environments exacerbates psychotic symptoms in people who have a diagnosed psychotic disorder. The aim of the study was to examine the psychological and clinical effects of exposure to one specific deprived urban environment on individuals with persecutory delusions. It was predicted that the urban environment would affect emotional and reasoning processes highlighted in a cognitive model of persecutory delusions and would increase paranoia. Method Thirty patients with persecutory delusions were randomised to exposure to a deprived urban environment or to a brief mindfulness relaxation task. After exposure, assessments of symptoms, reasoning, and affective processes were taken. Thirty matched non-clinical participants also completed the study measures to enable interpretation of the test scores. Results In individuals with persecutory delusions, exposure to the urban environment, rather than participation in a mindfulness task, increased levels of anxiety, negative beliefs about others and jumping to conclusions. It also increased paranoia. The individuals with persecutory delusions scored significantly differently from the non-clinical group on all measures. Conclusions For individuals with psychosis, spending time in an urban environment makes them think more negatively about other people and increases anxiety and the jumping to conclusions reasoning bias. Their paranoia is also increased. A number of processes hypothesised in cognitive models to lead to paranoid thoughts are exacerbated by a deprived urban environment. Further research is needed to clarify which aspects of urban environments cause the negative effects. Methodological challenges in the research area are raised.

Effects of a Dynamic Seat Pan on Torso Movement, Back Comfort, and Task Performance

Thirty-six subjects, half with back pain, performed 1-hour sessions, including 3 × 10-minute tasks separated by 2 × 10-minute relaxation tasks, while sitting on both a static seat (SS) and a rotary dynamic seat (DS) at fixed speed. Ss torso movement was greater for the DS condition (p=.000) and while performing active versus passive tasks (p=.000). However, personal comfort measures for postural stability (p&lt;.000), postural instability (p&lt;.003), limitations in writing and typing (p&lt;.001), feelings of nausea (p&lt;.023), and dizziness (p&lt;.024) were worse for the DS condition than for the SS condition. The DS did not significantly affect task performance or back pain. Ss without pre-existing back pain made more negative than positive comments on the chair's motion than those with back pain. Allowing intermittent use of the DS with personal control of the speed of rotation according to task demands and comfort level, may afford some benefits.

Psychophysiological responses in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Physical and emotional stress and altered reactivity of the autonomic nervous system have been implicated in the development and maintenance of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This study investigated blood pressure, heart rate (HR), skin conductance levels (SCL), and surface electromyograms (EMG) from the trapezius muscle in 30 FMS patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). All measures were continuously recorded during baseline (BL), social conflict, mental arithmetic, and relaxation tasks. The FMS patients showed significantly higher stress ratings and self-reported stress responses. Baseline EMG levels were significantly lower, and BL HR was significantly elevated. During both stress tasks, HR reactivity was significantly lower, and SCL reactivity was significantly higher in the FMS group. This pattern of low BL muscle tension and high BL HR, along with low HR and high SCL reactivity to stress, is discrepant to other chronic pain syndromes and suggests unique psychophysiological features associated with FMS. Several potential mechanisms for these psychophysiological responses are discussed.

Oscillatory cortical activity related to voluntary muscle relaxation: Influence of normal aging

Objective In this study we aimed to investigate if there are age-related differences in cortical oscillatory activity induced by self-paced muscular pure relaxation in comparison with muscle contraction as reference movement. Methods Event-related (de)synchronization (ERD/ERS) have been recorded related to voluntary muscle contraction and relaxation in 10 young and 10 elderly right-handed healthy subjects. The muscle relaxation task consisted in a voluntary relaxation of maintained wrist extension without any overt, associated muscle contraction. The muscle contraction task corresponded to a self-initiated brief wrist extension. Results In elderly subjects compared to young ones, mu and beta ERD preceding muscular relaxation was more widespread, beginning significantly earlier over contralateral frontocentral and parietocentral regions ( p < 0.05) as well as over ipsilateral regions ( p < 0.05). The beta synchronization was significantly attenuated ( p < 0.05). Conclusions These results suggest an alteration of inhibitory motor systems and an altered post-movement somesthetic inputs processing with normal aging. These alterations were accompanied by compensatory mechanisms. Significance These age-related alterations during different phases of muscle relaxation could participate to explain global sensorimotor slowing observed with normal aging.

Heterogeneity of psychophysiological stress responses in fibromyalgia syndrome patients

Dysregulated psychophysiological responses have been observed in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), although the results are inconsistent. Surface electromyographic (EMG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and skin conductance levels (SCLs) were continuously recorded at baseline, and during a series of stress and relaxation tasks in 90 FMS patients and 30 age and sex matched healthy controls (HCs). The patient sample demonstrated lower baseline EMG levels compared to the HCs on all tasks. In contrast, the patients displayed elevated HR and SCL (sympathetic vasomotor and sudomotor indices, respectively) during both stress tasks. A cluster analysis identified four psychophysiological response patterns: 63.3% of HCs showed increased muscle tension and stable cardiovascular responses; 34.8% of FMS patients showed a pattern of increased sympathetic vasomotor reactivity with stable sudomotor and reduced muscular response; 12.2% of FMS patients showed a pattern of increased sympathetic sudomotor reactivity connected with increased sympathetic vasomotor response and reduced muscular response; and, in contrast, 46.7% of FMS patients showed a pattern of parasympathetic vasomotor reactivity and reduced sudomotor as well as muscular response. The identification of low baseline muscle tension in FMS is discrepant with other chronic pain syndromes and suggests that unique psychophysiological features may be associated with FMS. The different psychophysiological response patterns within the patient sample support the heterogeneity of FMS.

The influence of learning on the psychophysiological stress response of fibromyalgia syndrome compared to healthy controls

Dysregulated responses to stress have been observed in Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients, although the specific physiological responses are not well-articulated This study investigated baseline psychophysiological responses to psychologically stressful and relaxing tasks by 90 patients with FMS and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). The FMS patients were subdivided into 3 psychosocial subgroups (Dysfunctional [DYS], Interpersonally Distressed [ID] and Adaptive Coper [AC]). Surface electromyographic (EMG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), heart rate (HR), and skin conductance levels (SCL) were continuously recorded at baseline, during social conflict, mental arithmetic, and 3 relaxation tasks.