Researchers looked at the level of muscle tension in PMS or premenstrual syndrome. A group of 22 women with different levels of PMS symptoms were chosen to participate in the study.
Muscle tension levels for the muscle of the forehead, called the frontalis muscle, and muscle tension levels of the upper back/neck were monitored with EMG. Measurements were taken during and after the premenstrual phase, during relaxation, and during focus on an emotional image.
The researchers report that "A significant positive correlation was found between the premenstrual ...symptoms women predicted they would have and the premenstrual frontalis EMG levels measured during relaxation. The results suggest that training in muscle tension reduction may benefit premenstrual symptoms."
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Muscle tension and its relation to symptoms in the premenstruum. Coyne C. Res Nurs Health 1983 Dec;6(4):199-205
