Treatment of aggressive behavior: the effect of EMG response discrimination biofeedback training.

Huguenin et al. (1980) worked with an adult who had autism and hit people when upset.

They taped a small sensor to his forehead. The sensor buzzed when his brow muscles relaxed.

Every time the buzz sounded, staff gave him tokens. He could trade tokens for snacks or music.

Aggressive grabs and shoves dropped each time the EMG feedback was turned on.

When the feedback was taken away, hitting came back. Turning it on again cut it again.

The pattern repeated across four phases, showing the relaxation training was the cause.

Vukelich et al. (1971) got the same result nine years earlier with hugs and candy instead of wires.

Ohan et al. (2015) later used noncontingent reinforcement plus brief time-out with a six-year-old. All three studies cut aggression, but each used a different reinforcer.

Brosnan et al. (2011) looked at thirty years of papers and found that mixing antecedent, reinforcement, and consequence tactics works best. EMG biofeedback is one more tool in that mix.

If you serve adults who hit when tense, try teaching them to notice and relax their forehead muscles. A cheap EMG sensor and token board can give instant feedback and reinforcement. Start in a quiet room, then practice where stress usually happens. The adult learns relaxation is more rewarding than aggression.