Book Description

This study examined the singular and combined effects of a progressive relaxation and biofeedback monitoring program upon Trait Anxiety, Sports Competition Anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension as measured by EMG readings. The programs were administered over a six-week sequence, with pre-measures utilizing the Spielberger Trait Anxiety measure, the Sports Competition Anxiety Test, and Rotter's Locus of Control Test to evaluate the psychological parameters. In addition, blood pressure and resting heart rate data were collected one hour prior to three competitive duo meets and prior to "warm-up". EMG monitoring by biofeedback was accomplished through use of the Autogen 1100 Myograph at a band pass setting of 100 to 200 Hz. EMG measures were made by use of the Autogen 5100 Digital Integrator using time-averaged performance of each subject. These measures were independent of the analysis feedback. All pre-measures were gathered prior to the various treatment strategies. The subjects were 36 male collegiate varsity track and field athletes divided into one of four treatment cells containing nine subjects each. Each group met for a total of twelve one-half hour sessions and participated in either a cassette-taped Quieting Response program, a Quieting Response program with augmented EMG biofeedback, or EMG biofeedback alone. The control group was administered the assessment items and blood pressure and resting heart rate measures to include EMG time-averaging monitoring. In lieu of treatment, the control group attended twelve one-half hour sessions of passive rest and listened to "music of choice" during these sessions. Statistical analysis using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that EMG measures were significantly reduced through the six weeks of training using relaxation training alone, biofeedback training, and combined relaxation/biofeedback training. There were no differences as a result of treatment effect for the variables for between group significance for any of the variables to include Trait Anxiety, Sports Competition Anxiety, Locus of Control, blood pressure, and resting heart rate.