Abstract
The effects of behavioral relaxation training (BRT) for the treatment of moderate to severe essential tremor (ET) was evaluated with two older adults, ages 73 and 83, using a single-case design and statistical analysis. Measures included within-session clinician and self-rated tremor severity and disability in activities of daily living (ADL), EMG activity, and daily self-ratings of tremor severity and ADL disabilities. Following a brief 2–4 week baseline period BRT was conducted. Clinically significant reductions of 47–66% in within session clinical and self-rated tremor severity and daily self-ratings were obtained. Statistically significant changes in self- and clinician ratings occurred following BRT. In some cases, EMG activity also declined following intervention. Results at a seven week follow up were mixed and related to continued use of relaxation skills. While the cost ratio (medication: BRT) indicates that relaxation training is more expensive relative to standard medical intervention, cost–benefit to patients off sets the financial difference. Relaxation training may be an efficacious first step in a biobehavioral stepped care treatment model.
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