Use of EMG Biofeedback Procedures with Learning Disabled Children in a Clinical and an Educational Setting

Abstract

This report presents two related investigations of the effects of biofeedback relaxation training upon academic attainment of learning disabled boys. The first study was conducted in a university clinical center where LD experimental boys showed significant improvement over controls on measures of reading, spelling, verbal IQ, eye-hand coordination, auditory memory, and handwriting legibility. Behavioral self-control and self-concept also improved significantly. The second study tested the applicability of the same biofeedback relaxation procedures in the public schools by teachers of LD boys. The experimental boys improved significantly over the controls on measures of reading, spelling, eye-hand coordination and handwriting. Precautions and need for further research are discussed.