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Computer animated relaxation therapy in children between 7 and 13 years with tension-type headache: a pilot study
1Department of Neuropaediatrics E, Children's Headache Clinic, Herlev/Glostrup University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. Btor0007@heh.regionh.dk
Insights
Computer animated relaxation therapy significantly reduced headache frequency in children aged 7-13. This approach, using surface EMG (electromyography), helped children manage their body
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Tension-type headache is common in children.
- Effective, non-pharmacological treatments are needed for pediatric headache management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of computer animated relaxation therapy for tension-type headache in children.
- To explore children's experiences with this novel therapeutic approach.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving nine sessions of modified progressive relaxation therapy with computer-animated surface EMG biofeedback.
- Participants: 9 children (7-13 years) with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headache.
- Outcome measures included headache frequency, intensity, pericranial tenderness, and patient evaluations at baseline and 3-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- A 45% mean improvement in headache frequency was observed at 3 months.
- Significant reductions in headache frequency and Total Tenderness Score were noted for specific subgroups.
- Children reported increased body awareness and ability to regulate physiological responses.
Conclusions:
- Computer animated surface EMG biofeedback is a viable learning strategy for young headache sufferers.
- The presence of a physiotherapist as a participant observer is crucial for guiding children in developing body awareness.
- This therapy shows promise for improving headache management in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
This pilot study evaluated the effect of computer animated relaxation therapy in children between 7 and 13 years with tension-type headache and the children's experiences with the therapy. The therapy consisted of an uncontrolled nine-session course in modified progressive relaxation therapy assisted by computer animated surface EMG provided from the trapezius muscles and with the physiotherapist as a participant observer. Outcome measures were (a) headache frequency and intensity, (b) pericranial tenderness, (c) tension patterns, and (d) evaluations assessed at baseline and at 3 months follow up. Nine children, mean age 10.9 (SD 1.7) years, diagnosed with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headache completed the course. The results showed a mean improvement of 45% for headache frequency at 3 months follow up versus baseline and a significant reduction in headache frequency for all participants and in Total Tenderness Score for children with frequent episodic tension-type headache. The children expressed a growing understanding of body reactions and an acquired ability to deactivate and regulate these reactions. Computer animated SEMG seems an applicable learning strategy for young headache sufferers. This study suggests that children below the age of 13 need both the dialog and guidance from a participant observer in order to achieve body awareness.