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Published on: July 31, 2009
Treatment of childhood migraine with autogenic training and skin temperature biofeedback: a component analysis
1Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama, Mobile 36688.
Insights
Skin temperature biofeedback and autogenic training significantly reduced childhood headache frequency and duration. A majority of participants in the treatment groups achieved symptom-free status, unlike the control group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Behavioral Medicine
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Childhood headaches, particularly migraines, are a prevalent issue impacting children's quality of life.
- Traditional treatments often have limitations or side effects, necessitating exploration of alternative therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of skin temperature biofeedback combined with autogenic training versus autogenic training alone for treating childhood headaches.
- To compare these interventions against a waiting list control group.
Main Methods:
- A controlled group outcome design was employed with 30 children (ages 7-18) diagnosed with migraine headaches.
- Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: biofeedback with autogenic training, autogenic training only, or a waiting list control.
- Headache activity (frequency, duration, intensity) and clinical improvement were statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Both treatment groups showed significant improvements in headache frequency and duration compared to the waiting list control.
- No significant difference was found in headache intensity between the groups.
- Clinically, 80% of the biofeedback group and 50% of the autogenic training group became symptom-free, versus 0% in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Skin temperature biofeedback and autogenic training are effective non-pharmacological interventions for reducing childhood headache frequency and duration.
- These methods offer a promising approach for achieving clinical remission in pediatric headache patients.
- Findings support the integration of these techniques into the comprehensive management of childhood headaches.
Abstract:
Using a controlled group outcome design, skin temperature biofeedback with autogenic training and autogenic training only was compared to a waiting list as a treatment for childhood headache. Thirty children with migraine headaches, ages 7 to 18 years were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions. Statistical analyses of headache activity indicated that children in the treatment groups improved in headache frequency and duration but not intensity as compared to the waiting list control group. These findings were consistent through a 6 month follow-up. In terms of clinical improvement, 80% of the biofeedback group, 50% of the autogenics group, and none of the waiting list control group were symptom-free. These findings were discussed in relation to past childhood headache studies and implications for current treatment of children with headaches.
