Ergotrophic and trophotropic relaxation techniques as a way of patient’s pain management - pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: In Wroclaw experiment investigated whether and to what extent participation in a four-day short courses relaxation affects the experience of pain and whether there is a difference in the experience of pain in participants of trophotropic and ergotropic relaxation activities. Material and methods: Participants according to preferences of strategy of how to cope with pain were assigned to the two groups. Ergotropic relaxation group was represented at trial by a "movement meditation" concern practice-oriented activity of the body and body work. Trophotropic relaxation group was represented at trial by "meditation seat" and focus more on the content of consciousness while maintaining the passivity of the body. The experiment was performed in the Psychology Unit (University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw) in the relaxation room. Fourteen people took part in this research (10 women and 4 men in the age between 35-55). During experiment all individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire CSQ (Coping Strategies Questionnaire) A.C. Rosenstiel'a and F.J. Keefe'go and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) as a pain scale. VAS scale was used before (pre-test) and after (post-test) relaxation training. Results: Both groups, ergotropic as well as trophotropic, reduced experience of pain. After relaxation session (post-test) according to VAS scale the mean score of the ergotropic relaxation group was 2,7 and for trophotropic group - 3,8. It was statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: The experiment showed that the technique of dynamic relaxation was more effective in reducing pain. Perhaps the choice of relaxation techniques aimed at changing the perception of discomfort, we should take into account the ability of how to cope and reduce pain. Perhaps this is the most important factor when choosing a specific relaxation technique