The Use of Electromyographic Biofeedback in the Control of Hyperactivity

Abstract

A 6 1/2-year-old hyperactive boy was taught to reduce his muscular activity and tension through the use of electromyographic biofeedback for 11 sessions. The child was instructed to turn off a tone which signaled the presence of muscular tension. Muscular tension and activity decreased both within and across sessions. A follow-up session after a seven-month interval indicated that he continued to be able to control hyperactivity. Improvement was seen in the child's behavior in class and at home as long as he continued to practice and use, both at home and at school, the techniques he had learned in the laboratory. The child also improved a range of 25 to 56 months on four subtests of the ITPA. Improvement also occurred on a group-administered achievement test at school. These gains would indicate that pretest scores were depressed by hyperactivity and poor attention. There was also improvement in self-confidence and self-concept.