Muscle Relaxation Therapy in Hyperkinesis: Is It Effective?

Abstract

The literature on two forms of muscle relaxation training in hyperkinesis—electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation—is reviewed, and our own experience is discussed. Conflicting results from the different studies are explained in terms of sample heterogeneity. There is insufficient evidence to support the clinical utility of EMG biofeedback in hyperkinesis. Even if EMG biofeedback is useful, it may not surpass progressive muscle relaxation in the behavioral treatment of hyperactivity. Thus extra effort involved in the EMG biofeedback training is not justifiable in hyperkinesis, but muscle relaxation training may have a place in the multimodality treatment of hyperactivity.