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The effect of changes in facial muscle tension on respiratory resistance
1Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens 45701.
Abstract:
The relationship between changes in facial electromyographic (EMG) levels and respiratory resistance was examined. Thirty adult males were assigned equally to 1 of 3 groups; a facial muscle tension increase group (EMG increase), a facial tension decrease group (EMG decrease), and a noncontingent group (EMG noncontingent). Biofeedback procedures, based on EMG recordings made form electrodes positioned over the frontalis muscles, were used to effect muscle tension changes. Individuals in the EMG increase group exhibited increases in facial tension, but individuals in the EMG decrease group failed to show muscle tension changes. Respiratory resistance increased in individuals in the EMG increase group but did not change in individuals in the EMG decrease group. Like the EMG decrease group subjects, EMG noncontingent group subjects changed neither in facial tension nor in respiratory resistance. The results provided some support for a hypothesis linking facial muscle tension and respiratory resistance.