[Progressive relaxation and EMG biofeedback in the treatment of chronic headache in children. Results of an explorative study.].

A group study on the comparative efficacy of EMG biofeedback and progressive relaxation is presented. Sixteen children aged between 8 and 14 years with chronic tension headache and combined headache participated in the study. Six sessions of relaxation training and 12 (shorter) biofeedback sessions were held with each child. Both treatments had excellent results, which were apparent directly after training. All but one child benefited to a clinically significant extent from the treatment, with a reduction of more than 50% in headache frequency. Other variables indicate further positive effects of treatment (e.g., medication consumption, absence from school). After 6 months of follow-up the children treated by relaxation had achieved event further reductions in headache activity. Suggestions for further improvement in the clinical and economic efficiency of treatment formats are presented, and perspectives for future research are discussed.