Parent Perceptions of Biofeedback Treatment Effectiveness for Pediatric Migraine

Parent Perceptions of Biofeedback Treatment Effectiveness for Pediatric Migraine by Andrea Grando Weber Ed.S. , Marshall University, 1999 MA, Marshall University, 1998 BS, West Virginia University, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University August, 2019 Abstract Gate control theory posits the idea that the brain and spinal cord have the ability to control the perception of pain sensation throughout the body. Biofeedback provides a proven way to teach a person how they may control their heart rate, breathing, and skin temperature. Through this process, individuals learn to lessen their migraine frequency and intensity. There are no studies to date that have measured the effectiveness of biofeedback in conjunction with medication for migraines in children despite established evidence of success in adults. In this study, an online format via SurveyMonkey was used to document the perceptions of parents with regard to the observation of their children’s migraines. Preand posttreatment measures were recorded to document migraine activity with implementation of biofeedback or medication using the Individualized Numeric Rating Scale. A total of 48 participants reported about their children’s migraine frequency and intensity. One group of 24 parents were asked to give information on medication only treatment, and an additional 24 parents provided information on biofeedback and medication. The data were processed using 2 mixed model (i.e., 1 within and 1 between) ANCOVAs. Although frequency and intensity of migraines decreased across both groups posttreatment, there was no statistically significant interaction between the within subject factors of time and type. In this particular data set, medication plus biofeedback was not more effective than medication alone. The implications for positive social change using the results of this study are the potential for happier, healthier, migraine free children who are more able to be productive and contribute positively to society.Gate control theory posits the idea that the brain and spinal cord have the ability to control the perception of pain sensation throughout the body. Biofeedback provides a proven way to teach a person how they may control their heart rate, breathing, and skin temperature. Through this process, individuals learn to lessen their migraine frequency and intensity. There are no studies to date that have measured the effectiveness of biofeedback in conjunction with medication for migraines in children despite established evidence of success in adults. In this study, an online format via SurveyMonkey was used to document the perceptions of parents with regard to the observation of their children’s migraines. Preand posttreatment measures were recorded to document migraine activity with implementation of biofeedback or medication using the Individualized Numeric Rating Scale. A total of 48 participants reported about their children’s migraine frequency and intensity. One group of 24 parents were asked to give information on medication only treatment, and an additional 24 parents provided information on biofeedback and medication. The data were processed using 2 mixed model (i.e., 1 within and 1 between) ANCOVAs. Although frequency and intensity of migraines decreased across both groups posttreatment, there was no statistically significant interaction between the within subject factors of time and type. In this particular data set, medication plus biofeedback was not more effective than medication alone. The implications for positive social change using the results of this study are the potential for happier, healthier, migraine free children who are more able to be productive and contribute positively to society. Parent Perceptions of Biofeedback Treatment Effectiveness for Pediatric Migraine by Andrea Grando Weber Ed.S. , Marshall University, 1999 MA, Marshall University, 1998 B.A, West Virginia University, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University August, 2019 Dedication I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my daughter, Olivia. She has shown great strength to persevere through the adversity of chronic migraine in adolescence. Her struggle has given me insight into what courage it takes to live with an invisible illness. My hope is that the work I have done here will benefit children like Olivia and their families. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge my dissertation committee, Dr. Brandon Cosley, Dr. Jay Greiner, and Dr. Peggy Gallaher, for their dedication in helping me complete my dissertation. I would also like to thank my husband, Rob, and children, William, Sarah, and Olivia, for acting as my personal cheering squad as I have moved through each stage of the dissertation process. Thank you for your belief in me and in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to this body of literature. I truly hope I have made a difference.