Continuous versus interrupted schedules of thermal biofeedback: an exploratory analysis with clinical subjects.

Researchers administer thermal biofeedback in several different formats, although the most common are continuous administration and a series of brief trials separated by frequent rest breaks. The present study directly compared these two administration schedules with individuals suffering from migraine headache. Optimal training effects occurred for the continuous schedule of administration. Surprisingly, the interrupted schedule actually led to decreases in hand temperature over eight sessions. Possible reasons for this finding and its implications are discussed.