Autogenic Training Research Articles

Educational Model for Self-Healing: Eliminating a Chronic Migraine with Electromyography, Autogenic Training, Posture, and Mindfulness

An educational approach is often different from a clinical treatment approach to promote healing. Using an educational approach, 80% of university students who are enrolled in a holistic health course report that both acute and chronic disorders can be ameliorated or eliminated when they engage in daily self-practice of autogenic training, biofeedback self-regulation practices, and/or somatic posture awareness. This process of reducing health problems is illustrated by a case report of a 20-year-old female student who experienced three migraines per week for the past 6 years. After practicing self-regulation and body awareness techniques such as autogenic training, surface electromyography–assisted muscle awareness, diaphragmatic breathing, and postural changes, the frequency of her headaches decreased to zero. Being mindful without judgment and continuously interrupting her “chained behavior” patterns were major components for improving health. At 20-month follow-up, the student continued to be headache free. This type of integrated self-healing educational approach is recommended for students, patients, and anyone who wants to create lasting health changes.

N08 - Mood and distress in cancer patients after Autogenic Training (AT): a pilot study in an Italian Oncologic Unit

N08 - Mood and distress in cancer patients after Autogenic Training (AT): a pilot study in an Italian Oncologic Unit

Efectos de entrenamiento físico específico y técnicas de relajación sobre los parámetros dolorosos de la cefalea tensional en estudiantes universitarios: un ensayo clínico controlado y aleatorizado

IntroductionNon-pharmacological treatments help control tension-type headache; however, evidence about their effectiveness is still limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy based on cervical spine kinesiotherapy and posture correction exercises compared to a programme of relaxation techniques only (Schultz's Autogenic Training, AT). MethodsTension-type headache is very common among university students. We randomly selected 152 university students with a diagnosis of tension-type headache according to the criteria of the International Headache Society. Eighty-four were women (55.3%) and 68 were men (44.7%). Mean age was 20.42±2.36 years. The study design is a randomised controlled trial of a non-pharmacological intervention with a blinded evaluation of response variables. We compared the results of two independent samples: AT was used in one of the groups while the other group received AT plus cervical spine kinesiotherapy and posture correction training. Patients recorded any changes in the parameters of pain (frequency, intensity, and duration) and drug consumption in a headache diary before treatment, at 4 weeks, and at 3 months. ResultsBoth interventions achieved a decrease in all the parameters of pain; however, decreases in frequency and intensity were more significant in the combined treatment group (P<0.01) (d=0.4). ConclusionsSuch active, non-invasive therapies as AT and cervical spine kinesiotherapy, and especially the combination of both, effectively reduce tension-type headache by preventing and managing the potential psychophysical causes of this disorder. Future research should aim to assess the long-term effects of these interventions.

A Single Session of Autogenic Training Increases Acute Subjective and Physiological Sexual Arousal in Sexually Functional Women

Heart rate variability (HRV) has recently been associated with female sexual function (Stanton, Lorenz, Pulverman, & Meston, 2015). Below-average HRV was identified as a possible risk factor for sexual arousal dysfunction and overall sexual dysfunction in women. Based on this newly established relationship between HRV and female sexual function, the present study examined the effect of autogenic training to increase HRV on acute physiological and subjective sexual arousal in women. Specifically, vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA), an index of genital sexual arousal, and subjective sexual arousal were assessed in 33 sexually functional women, aged 18 to 27, before and after a short session of autogenic training. Autogenic training, a relaxation technique that restores the balance between the activity of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, has been shown to significantly increase HRV (Miu, Heilman, & Miclea, 2009). After autogenic training, significant increases in both VPA (p <.05) and subjective sexual arousal (p <.005) were observed. Moreover, change in HRV from pre- to postmanipulation significantly moderated changes in subjective sexual arousal (p <.05) when it was measured continuously during the presentation of the erotic stimulus. This cost-effective, easy-to-administer behavioral intervention may have important implications for increasing sexual arousal in women.

The Joint Work of Gynecologist and Psychologist in the Treatment of Sexual Pain Disorders and Vulvar Vestibulitis and the Use of Visnadina

Objective: Actually, sexual pain disorders could be interpreted in a much broader sense to include also non-coital sex disorders (for example clitoris pain or vulvar vestibulis pain during petting). The Vulvar Vestibulitis (VV) sums up the complexity of interacting values in the genesis of pain. The VV is a clinical disorder characterized by three symptoms for excellence: 1) Acute vestibule pain at any attempt of penetration; 2) Tenderness caused by pressure in the vaginal vestibule: if we consider the entrance to the vaginal orifice as a clock face, the pain is at its greatest in the 5 and 7 areas; 3) Erythema of various degrees in the vaginal vestibule. Design and Method: Vulvar vestibulitis as a multi system disorder involves the mucosa of the vaginal vestibule and can become home to an intense inflammatory response; it also involves the immune system with the proliferation of painful nerve endings, the nervous system, the muscular and vascular system. Symptoms associated with VV can be of a urinary nature, with an urgent need to urinate after intercourse, or chronic cystitis or the onset of pain with the same characteristics as dyspareunia during a gynecological examination and so on. Results: In an outpatients setting which differs from the usual psychological/gynecological one, the presence of two specialists, that is a psychologist and a gynecologist at the gynecological examination may help. During the checkup when the speculum is inserted into the vagina to get a direct observation of the structure of the vagina, any lesions caused by chronic inflammation of the vaginal vestibule can be highlighted. The psychologist on the other side of the bed keeping direct eye contact with the patient can help her to manage the anxiety or pain linked to the moment of finger penetration or with the use of diagnostic instruments, as well as breathing management through autogenic training which will lower any anxiety-related situations. Eye contact can also keep the patient anchored to the real situation and keep her in touch with reality which can easily be distorted in a panic situation. Conclusions: In these conditions the gynecologist can carry out his examination, with penetration for example giving the patient a direct experience of it which in turn can act as a positive feedback for future experience. The use of Visnadina (Refeel Spray) is particularly useful for patients who suffer generally from painful sex and sexual arousal disorders. Refeel Spray was the product used as the reference sample in these cases.

Физиологические критерии динамики овладения методикой аутогенной тренировки

The purpose of study was to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of the autogenous training (AT) and to search the evaluation criteria of successfulness of AT mastering. It was carried out a comparative analysis of dynamics of changes of the galvanic skin response (GSR), ECG and infrared irradiation of hands, as during the session, as well as at the initial and final stage of the AT course. 10 patients have been studied: 5 women and 5 men aged 19-21 years. AT training was implemented basing on the classic Schulz method for 20 sessions. On the basis of the dynamics of physiological characteristics it was established that the GSR reduction is the most representative indicator of the short-term adaptation to AT. The ability to voluntarily prolong the R-R interval was determined as a criterion of successfulness of mastering of AT. The ability to voluntarily increase temperature of the hands during the AT session was determined as the most significant parameter of the long-term adaptation to AT. The revealed physiological criteria of dynamics of acquisition of AT can be used in practice; availability of instrumental diagnostics means, including the portable infrared thermometer CEM TermoDiagnostics and the automatic tonometer, can contribute to a more widespread application of AT tech-niques.

Mind–Body Skills Training to Improve Distress Tolerance in Medical Students: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACTProblem: Medical students face rigorous and stressful work environments, resulting in high rates of psychological distress. However, there has been a dearth of empirical work aimed at modifying risk factors for psychopathology among this at-risk group. Distress tolerance, defined as the ability to withstand emotional distress, is one factor that may be important in promoting psychological well-being in medical students. Thus, the aim of the current mixed-methods study was (a) to describe changes in facets of distress tolerance (i.e., emotional tolerance, absorption, appraisal, regulation) for medical students who completed a mind–body skills training group, and a no-intervention control group of students; (b) to examine the relationship between changes in psychological variables and changes in distress tolerance; and (c) to report students' perceptions of the mind–body group, with an emphasis on how the group may have affected personal and professional functioning due to improvements in distress tolerance. Intervention: The mind–body program was an 11-week, 2-hour skills training group that focused on introducing, practicing, and processing mind–body skills such as biofeedback, guided imagery, relaxation, several forms of meditation (e.g., mindfulness), breathing exercises, and autogenic training. Context: Participants were 52 first- and second-year medical students (62.7% female, Mage = 23.45, SD = 1.51) who participated in a mind–body group or a no-intervention control group and completed self-report measures before and after the 11-week period. Outcome: Students in the mind–body group showed a modest improvement in all distress tolerance subscales over time (ΔM = .42–.53, p = .01–.03, d = .44–.53), whereas the control group showed less consistent changes across most subscales (ΔM = .11–.42, p = .10–.65, d = .01–.42). Students in the mind–body group qualitatively reported an improved ability to tolerate affective distress. Overall, improvements in psychological symptoms were associated with improvements in distress tolerance in the mind–body group but not in the control group. Lessons Learned: These preliminary findings provide support for the notion that improving distress tolerance through mind–body skills training might serve to protect medical students from becoming functionally impaired by psychological distress. Thus, implementing mind–body skills training into medical school education may help to improve the psychological well-being of medical students. Future studies utilizing more methodologically rigorous designs are warranted.

Significance and role of imagination in the life of modern person

In the article it is proved that the formation of gloomy morbid imagination is dangerous to human life and health, while the development of a positive optimistic creative imagination contrary is justified and useful. Results in this direction have shown methods like autogenic training (AT), biofeedback (BFB), meditation, psychomuscular, ideamotor, visuomotor training etc.

Integrative psychotherapy model on somatoform disorders patients

Last 12years in Ukraine the special priority has the problem of somatoform disorders. The most significant role belongs to the patient's self-evaluation of the influence of the disease on their social functioning, influence essential past of the self-picture of the disease and the important point of therapeutic rehabilitation intervention. On the basis of the examined 300 patients on somatoform disorders and 210 patients on ischemic cordial disease, we have elaborated a formal test that allows evaluating quantitatively the influents of the disease on various spheres of patients' social status. It was absolutely unrespectable the common for ischemic cordial and somatoform disorders patients rise of significance of personal individual, common life factors in cases of aggravation of the main disease course. We created the integrative psychotherapy system with cognitive-behavioral, suggestive and autosuggestive implementations. Elucidation of peculiarity of personal perception of the disease served as basis of elaboration of purposeful system of psychotherapy, consulting, psychological support for patients with high-effectiveness 1.5–3years catamnesis in 85% patients. The retrospective results showed the necessity the target-oriented integrative models of psychotherapy, parted on stages. On the first stage-sedative-adapting the receptions of cognitive and suggestive psychotherapy are used. There is group therapy on second-main-stage. On the third stage-supportive-elements of the autogenic training mastered.

Psychotherapy of somatoform disorders

In Ukraine there is tendency to increased deseaseness and prevalence's of somatoform disorders.The most significant role belongs to the patient's self-evaluation of the influence of the disease on their social status that is an essential past of the self-picture of the disease and the important point of therapeutic rehabilitation intervention.On the basis of the examined 300 patients on somatoform disorders and 200 patients on psychosomatic diseases, we have elaborated a formal test that allows evaluating quantitatively the influents of the disease on various spheres of patients’ social status.It was absolutely unexpectable the common for psychosomatic and somatoform disorders patients rise of significance of personal individual, every day life factors in cases of aggravation of the main disease course. We created the cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy system with suggestive and autosuggestive implementations.Elucidation of peculiarity of personal perception of the disease served as basis of elaboration of purposeful system of psychotherapy, consulting, psychological support for patients with high-effectiveness 1.5–3 years catamnesis in 85% patients.Our experience showed the necessity of the use the target-oriented integrativе models of psychotherapy, parted on stages. On the first stage-sedative-adapting the receptions of cognitive and suggestive psychotherapy are used. There is group therapy on second stage. On the third stage elements of the autogenic training mastered.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

Teaching to Relax: Development of a Program to Potentiate Stress-Results of a Feasibility Study with Medical Undergraduate Students.

Medical students are a population at risk for the development of stress-related risk states (e.g. burnout) and manifest mental disorders (e.g. depression). Still the learning of coping mechanisms against stress is not an integral part of the medical curriculum. In a pilot study we developed an elective course for learning relaxation techniques (Relacs) which was geared to the clinical practice of autogenic training (AT) with psychiatric patients. The course focussed on an innovative and mostly communicative transfer of knowledge about AT, progressive muscle relaxation and medical hypnosis and stressed the principle of repeated and supervised exercises in small student groups alongside self-administered exercise. 42 students took part in this course and showed a very high acceptance for the topic and positive evaluation. Moreover, we found a distinct improvement of the participants' mental parameters (burnout, anxiety) and a good knowledge about the course's contents within the final exams at the end of the semester. The structure and realisation of the course is easily adaptable and very effective regarding the improvement of the students' mental health. Due to our results and the commonly known prevalence of stress-related disorders in medical students we postulate the integration of courses on relaxation strategies in the medical curriculum.

Stress Management for the Treatment of Sleep Disorders in Lawyers: Pilot Experimental Study in Athens, Hellas

Objective: The products of the hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal axis (HPA) and the autonomic nervous system as a result of stressful life events are closely related to the occurrence of chronic insomnia. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a stress management intervention program can reduce the subjective reactions which are associated with stress and the symptoms of insomnia in a sample of 40 lawyers of Athens Bar Association. Methods: This was a two-armed, parallel group, randomized controlled study with about a 1:1 allocation ratio of lawyers with primary insomnia to the intervention and the wait-list control group and afollow up period of 8-weeks. The stress management technique program, included progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), relaxation breathing technique, autogenic training, Guided Imagery and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Validated scales were used to measure variables (AIS, PSS 14, Dass-21, ΗLC, Rosenberg Self-esteem scale and Greek PSQI). Results: A total of 40 people were selected to enter the study and were randomly allocated into two groups, intervention group and control group (21 and 19 respectively). Individuals in the intervention group experienced a statistical significant improvement in sleep parameters. There was a statistically significant reduction in depression (p=0.015) and stress levels (p=0.029) pre- and postintervention in the stress management group. Furthermore, we recorded amoderate amelioration in insomnia and sleep quality (effect sizes 0.3 and 0.32 respectively). Conclusion: We provide evidence that stress management may merit some benefits at improving sleep, by means of both insomnia and quality of sleep improvement.

Autogenic Training and Biofeedback

Autogenic Training and Biofeedback

Impact of A Short-Term, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on the Well-Being of Infertile Women: A Mixed-Method Study

Background Mind-body skills groups represent an experiential approach to teaching antistress techniques that can enable a person to achieve mindfulness, self-awareness and self-reflection, to engage in self-care. This study examined whether a short-term mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program improved the well-being of infertile women. Methods A cohort of 25 women was enrolled at a public academic center of reproductive medicine, while on the waiting list for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The MBSR intervention consisted of 12 weekly sessions of mindfulness meditation, relaxation, autogenic training, biofeedback and guided imagery. The participants completed a qualitative, open-ended questionnaire and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaire to assess anxiety, depressed mood, positive well-being, self-control, general health and vitality, before and after the intervention period. Data were analyzed by paired t-test and by 95% confidence interval. Results The qualitative analysis revealed 5 central themes in patients’ responses to the questionnaires: connections, self-discovery, stress relief, learning and consciousness. Total PGWBI score increased by 17% (mean difference 14.1 ± 3.9 points, p&lt;0.01), and all subscales improved after the intervention course compared with the preintervention values. Conclusions Both qualitative and quantitative assessment suggest that a 12-week MBSR program may improve the general well-being of infertile women awaiting IVF.

Usage of rhythmic respiratory gymnastics according to hatha-yoga system in combination with tempering and autogenic training for physical rehabilitation of ii stage hypertension

Usage of rhythmic respiratory gymnastics according to hatha-yoga system in combination with tempering and autogenic training for physical rehabilitation of ii stage hypertension

Saliva amylase as a measure of sympathetic change elicited by autogenic training in patients with functional somatic syndromes.

The aim of this study was to discuss the effect of autogenic training (AT) on patients with functional somatic syndrome (FSS) using salivary amylase, the skin temperature of the finger, subjective severity of symptoms, and psychological characteristics as measures. We assessed 20 patients with FSS and 23 healthy controls before and after AT. Baseline levels of salivary amylase prior to an AT session were significantly higher in the FSS group than in the control group. However, this difference was not significant after AT. The skin temperature of the finger increased after AT in both the FSS and control groups. AT contributed to the improvement of somatic symptoms in patients with FSS. Our results regarding psychological characteristics suggest that mood disturbances are deeply involved in the pathology of FSS. Individuals with FSS exhibited elevated levels of sympathetic activity compared with healthy controls. Our data indicates that AT eased dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system in patients with FSS. Thus, salivary amylase may be a useful index of change induced by AT in patients with FSS.

Audio-Visual and Autogenic Relaxation Alter Amplitude of Alpha EEG Band, Causing Improvements in Mental Work Performance in Athletes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of regular audio-visual relaxation combined with Schultz's autogenic training on: (1) the results of behavioral tests that evaluate work performance during burdensome cognitive tasks (Kraepelin test), (2) changes in classical EEG alpha frequency band, neocortex (frontal, temporal, occipital, parietal), hemisphere (left, right) versus condition (only relaxation 7-12Hz). Both experimental (EG) and age-and skill-matched control group (CG) consisted of eighteen athletes (ten males and eight females). After 7-month training EG demonstrated changes in the amplitude of mean electrical activity of the EEG alpha bend at rest and an improvement was significantly changing and an improvement in almost all components of Kraepelin test. The same examined variables in CG were unchanged following the period without the intervention. Summing up, combining audio-visual relaxation with autogenic training significantly improves athlete's ability to perform a prolonged mental effort. These changes are accompanied by greater amplitude of waves in alpha band in the state of relax. The results suggest usefulness of relaxation techniques during performance of mentally difficult sports tasks (sports based on speed and stamina, sports games, combat sports) and during relax of athletes.

Workability’s recreation methodic with application of cupping massage and autogenic training of women student teams’ basketball players

Purpose: to experimentally subsituate effectiveness of non traditional complex methodic of recreation in female basketball players’ training process. Material: 22 basketball players of women student’s team participated in the research. Pedagogic testing was conducted by 12 tests in special physical and technical fitness. Psycho-physiological testing was conducted by program PSYCHO-DIAGNOSTIC. Groups were trained by identical programs during 9 weeks. Results: we authors observed increased physical and technical fitness of basketball players. Besides, quantity of mistakes in response to visual irritator reduced. It indirectly witnesses about strengthening of nervous processes. There was registered influence of mind on quality of organism’s recreation after physical loads. Conclusions: the authors recommend methodic of cupping massage, combined with autogenic training. Autogenic training implies repeated pronouncing by instructor (or independently by sportswomen) of text, describing coming turn by turn natural images. Peculiarities of massage were influence of massage passes on muscles and ligaments. Cupping massage was used after warming up classic massage techniques.

Psychosocial Intervention In Prostate Cancer Patients

Summary Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide for males, and the fifth most common cancer overall. Using of autogenic training could reduce the influence of ADT and raise quality of prostate cancer patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of autogenic training in patients with prostate cancer. Patients were divided to experimental and control group. Experimental group participated in fourteen weeks long autogenic training program. Control group performed usual daily activities. Every subject of research performed input and output diagnostics which monitored psychical states of patients by psychological standardized tests - Differential questionnaire of depression (DDF) and Questionnaire of anxiety (STAI X1). Our data showed autogenic training program significant improved depressions symptoms and anxiety in experimental research group (p ≤ 0.05), however there was no main change of depression symptoms and anxiety values for control group (p = n.s.).

Acute Effects of Online Mind-Body Skills Training on Resilience, Mindfulness, and Empathy.

Some studies have begun to show benefits of brief in-person mind-body skills training. We evaluated the effects of 1-hour online elective mind-body skills training for health professionals on mindfulness, resilience, and empathy. Between May and November, 2014, we described enrollees for the most popular 1-hour modules in a new online mind-body skills training program; compared enrollees' baseline stress and burnout to normative samples; and assessed acute changes in mindfulness, resilience, and empathy. The 513 enrollees included dietitians, nurses, physicians, social workers, clinical trainees, and health researchers; about 1/4 were trainees. The most popular modules were the following: Introduction to Stress, Resilience, and the Relaxation Response (n = 261); Autogenic Training (n = 250); Guided Imagery and Hypnosis for Pain, Insomnia, and Changing Habits (n = 112); Introduction to Mindfulness (n = 112); and Mindfulness in Daily Life (n = 102). Initially, most enrollees met threshold criteria for burnout and reported moderate to high stress levels. Completing 1-hour modules was associated with significant acute improvements in stress (P < .001), mindfulness (P < .001), empathy (P = .01), and resilience (P < .01). Online mind-body skills training reaches diverse, stressed health professionals and is associated with acute improvements in stress, mindfulness, empathy, and resilience. Additional research is warranted to compare the long-term cost-effectiveness of different doses of online and in-person mind-body skills training for health professionals.