A comparison of biofeedback-mediated relaxation and group therapy in the treatment of chronic anxiety

The authors compared treatment of chronic anxiety with biofeedback- mediated electromyographic (EMG) relaxation to treatment with group psychotherapy in a control group. Feedback patients were given two weeks of EMG relaxation training followed by two weeks of self- practice. Significant decreases were found in the feedback group in electromyogram levels, mood distrubance, trait anxiety, and (to a lesser extent) state anxiety; no such decreases occurred in the control group. The authors suggest that EMG feedback can be an important adjunct therapy for chronic anxiety.