111. Intrusive thoughts counteract the effects of progressive relaxation on early wound repair

Abstract

Psychological stress negatively affects proinflammatory cytokine production in the local wound environment, and examination stress can delay wound healing. Relaxation interventions are commonly used to reduce stress, and appear to promote recovery in surgical care settings. This study tested the effect of relaxation training on early wound repair in medical students with an upcoming examination. Medical students (n = 47) were randomized to receive either a relaxation intervention (n = 15) or wait-list (n = 32) immediately prior to an examination. All participants received standardized blister wounds upon arrival at a hospital research unit, and fluid from the blister chambers was aspirated 4 h, 7 h, and 22 h afterward. The subsequent relaxation intervention consisted of 5–6 h long structured sessions over the course of the stay. Students with higher Impact of Events scale Intrusion scores had significantly lower levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha at the wound site at 22 h post blister wounding. This effect remained when controlling for body mass index and randomization condition. Furthermore, higher levels of intrusions were associated with higher levels of negative affect on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule after each relaxation session. These results suggest that the ability to regulate one’s emotions affects early wound repair, and that those with poor emotional regulation may require additional intervention efforts apart from progressive relaxation under stress.