Crosscultural differences in frontalis muscle tension levels: An exploratory study comparing Japanese and Westerners

This paper describes a comparison between Japanese (N=20) and Westerners (N=20) in their respective frontal EMG levels and their ability to relax during one 5-minute biofeedback training session. The data indicated a significantly lower baseline muscle tension level in Japanese than in Westerners. After EMG biofeedback, however, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Japanese females showed significantly higher tension levels both during baseline and biofeedback phases than did Japanese males.