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Simultaneous EMGs From Six Sites During Muscular Relaxation: A Comparison Between Forehead and Forearm Feedback
Author(s) -
Sagberg Fridulv,
Kveim Kolbjörn berg
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
psychophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.661
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1469-8986
pISSN - 0048-5772
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8986.1981.tb02475.x
Subject(s) - forehead , forearm , psychology , frontalis muscle , electromyography , relaxation (psychology) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , audiology , communication , physical therapy , anatomy , medicine , social psychology , neuroscience
In light of the continuing popularity of frontalis EMG feedback for general relaxation purposes, a pertinent question is whether this procedure is superior to feedback from other muscles. This question was addressed by comparing a frontalis feedback group (n = 12) with a forearm feedback group (n = 10) in a one‐session experiment. The experimental session included a 10‐min rest period preceded by verbal relaxation instructions and demonstration of the respective feedback contingencies, and followed by a 30‐min feedback period. EMG records were obtained from forehead, forearm, neck, masseter, sternomastoid, and lower leg. In the two target muscles, significant group differences developed during rest, but no additional significant effects were produced during feedback. Regarding the four untrained sites, EMG tended to decrease in the forehead group, but not significantly below the levels of the forearm group. Simultaneous EMG cross‐correlations within 5‐min intervals based on successive 1‐sec averages showed significant covariation between muscles in the head and neck area; the source of this covariation was uncertain, however—electrical “crosstalk” and generalized muscular responding were two possibilities discussed.