Autogenic Training Research Articles

Self-help relaxation for post-stroke anxiety: a randomised, controlled pilot study

Objective: To consider relaxation as a potential treatment for anxiety in stroke survivors living in the community, including feasibility and acceptability. Design: Randomised two group design (intervention and control). Participants: All participants (n = 21) were stroke survivors living in the community who reported experiencing anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Anxiety Subscale ⩾ 6). Interventions: The intervention group were asked to listen to a self-help autogenic relaxation CD, five times a week, for at least one month. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at screening and then monthly for three months. Results: At each assessment following screening, participants who received the relaxation training were significantly more likely to report reduced anxiety compared to those who had not received the training (Month 1 P = 0.002; Month 2 P < 0.001; Month 3 P = 0.001). After one month, seven of the intervention group (n = 10) had completed the relaxation training as directed and planned to continue using it. The intervention appeared practical to deliver and relatively inexpensive, with minimal adverse effects. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that autogenic relaxation training delivered in a self-help CD format is a feasible and acceptable intervention, and that anxiety is reduced in stroke survivors who received the intervention. Future studies should seek to recruit a larger and more heterogeneous sample of 70 participants.

Sleep Quality – Impact of Relaxation Techniques and Autogenic Training in Patients Diagnosed with Insomnia

Analyze quantitatively and qualitatively, the impact of relaxation techniques and autogenic training program on sleep quality in patients with insomnia related to anxiety disorder or depression. The study went on for six months. Each subject completed twelve group sessions, which took place always on the same weekday and at the same time. During the sessions, subjects were taught respiratory training techniques, Schultz's Autogenic Training (inferior and superior cycles), Jacobson's progressive relaxation, creative visualization and meditation, as well as group exercise dynamics and the hug technique. To evaluate results, in sleep quality, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was applied, in the beginning and in the last session of the program. The data was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 19.0. A total of 28 patients were enrolled: 22 were female and 6 male, with a mean age of 42.2 years. There was a statistical significant (p=0.007) decreased in the insomnia severity level (from 16.36 to 11.89; i.e. moderate to mild). Subjectively, the patients demonstrated satisfaction with the improvement in sleep pattern, with lower interference in performance of daily tasks, as well a decrease in the inconvenience caused by a sleep disorder. There was also improvement in mood, vigor, self-esteem and self-control. The most common causes of insomnia are cognitive and emotional dysfunctions. Our results shows that psychopharmacological therapy, combined with relaxation techniques and autogenous training programs, that can be learned and implemented independently, can help improve sleep quality. Further studies are needed to validate these results in other populations.

A mindfulness-based stress prevention training for medical students (MediMind): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundMedical training is very demanding and associated with a high prevalence of psychological distress. Compared to the general population, medical students are at a greater risk of developing a psychological disorder. Various attempts of stress management training in medical school have achieved positive results on minimizing psychological distress; however, there are often limitations. Therefore, the use of a rigorous scientific method is needed. The present study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a specifically developed mindfulness-based stress prevention training for medical students that includes selected elements of cognitive behavioral strategies (MediMind).Methods/DesignThis study protocol presents a prospective randomized controlled trial, involving four assessment time points: baseline, post-intervention, one-year follow-up and five-year follow-up. The aims include evaluating the effect on stress, coping, psychological morbidity and personality traits with validated measures. Participants are allocated randomly to one of three conditions: MediMind, Autogenic Training or control group. Eligible participants are medical or dental students in the second or eighth semester of a German university. They form a population of approximately 420 students in each academic term. A final total sample size of 126 (at five-year follow-up) is targeted. The trainings (MediMind and Autogenic Training) comprise five weekly sessions lasting 90 minutes each. MediMind will be offered to participants of the control group once the five-year follow-up is completed. The allotment is randomized with a stratified allocation ratio by course of studies, semester, and gender. After descriptive statistics have been evaluated, inferential statistical analysis will be carried out with a repeated measures ANOVA-design with interactions between time and group. Effect sizes will be calculated using partial η-square values.DiscussionPotential limitations of this study are voluntary participation and the risk of attrition, especially concerning participants that are allocated to the control group. Strengths are the study design, namely random allocation, follow-up assessment, the use of control groups and inclusion of participants at different stages of medical training with the possibility of differential analysis.Trial registrationThis trial is recorded at German Clinical Trials Register under the number DRKS00005354 (08 November 2013).

Effectiveness of psychological support during the weight loss of university male judo players: A study utilising autogenic training

Effectiveness of psychological support during the weight loss of university male judo players: A study utilising autogenic training

Effectiveness of app-based relaxation for patients with chronic low back pain (Relaxback) and chronic neck pain (Relaxneck): study protocol for two randomized pragmatic trials.

BackgroundChronic low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP) are highly prevalent conditions resulting in high economic costs. Treatment guidelines recommend relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, as adjuvant therapies. Self-care interventions could have the potential to reduce costs in the health care system, but their effectiveness, especially in a usual care setting, is unclear. The aim of these two pragmatic randomized studies is to evaluate whether an additional app-delivered relaxation is more effective in the reduction of chronic LBP or NP than usual care alone.Methods/designEach pragmatic randomized two-armed study aims to include a total of 220 patients aged 18 to 65 years with chronic (>12 weeks) LBP or NP and an average pain intensity of ≥ 4 on a numeric rating scale (NRS) in the 7 days before recruitment. The participants will be randomized into an intervention and a usual care group. The intervention group will be instructed to practice one of these 3 relaxation techniques on at least 5 days/week for 15 minutes/day over a period of 6 months starting on the day of randomization: autogenic training, mindfulness meditation, or guided imagery. Instructions and exercises will be provided using a smartphone app, baseline information will be collected using paper and pencil. Follow-up information (daily, weekly, and after 3 and 6 months) will be collected using electronic diaries and questionnaires included in the app.The primary outcome measure will be the mean LBP or NP intensity during the first 3 months of intervention based on daily pain intensity measurements on a NRS (0 = no pain, 10 = worst possible pain). The secondary outcome parameters will include the mean pain intensity during the first 6 months after randomization based on daily measurements, the mean pain intensity measured weekly as the average pain intensity of the previous 7 days over 3 and 6 months, pain acceptance, ‘LBP- and NP-related’ stress, sick leave days, pain medication intake, adherence, suspected adverse reaction, and serious adverse events.DiscussionThe designed studies reflect a usual self-care setting and will provide evidence on a pragmatic self-care intervention that is easy to combine with care provided by medical professionals.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier Relaxback NCT02019498, Relaxneck NCT02019134 registered on 18 December 2013.

Effects of Autogenic Training on Stress Response and Heart Rate Variability in Nursing Students

This study was undertaken to confirm the effects of autogenic training (AT) on stress response and heart rate variability in nursing school students experiencing stress related to clinical training. The study was carried out from September 2012 to April 2013 in a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group using a pretest-posttest design. The participants were 40 nursing students in their third year at either of two nursing colleges. All consented to participate. Nineteen nursing students at one college were assigned to the experimental group and underwent the 8-week AT program, and the other 21 were assigned to the control group and did not undergo any training. Stress response was assessed by questionnaire and HRV was measured three times, that is, before the program, at the end of the program, and 6 months after the end of the AT program. A significant time/group interaction was found for stress response (F = 4.68, p = .012), a subjective indicator. However, no significant interaction was found for the objective indicators of heart rate variability, normalized low frequency (F = 2.59, p = .090), normalized high frequency (F = 2.59, p = .090), or low frequency to high frequency ratio (F = 1.38, p = .257). The results suggest that AT provides an acceptable approach to stress reduction in nursing students.

Autogenic training shows short-term benefits in patients with early Parkinson's disease.

A trial of people with early Parkinson's disease compared 32 having physiotherapy with a similar number who had an additional 15 minutes of autogenic training (AT).

Evaluation of stress resistance among young men after autogenous training

Evaluation of stress resistance among young men after autogenous training

The effect of relaxation therapy on autonomic functioning, symptoms and daily functioning, in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia: a systematic review

Objective: To establish the effects of relaxation therapy on autonomic function, pain, fatigue and daily functioning in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. Method: A systematic literature study was performed. Using specific keywords related to fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome and relaxation therapy, the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched. Included articles were assessed for their risk of bias and relevant information regarding relaxation was extracted. The review was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA-statement. Results: Thirteen randomized clinical trials of sufficient quality were included, resulting in a total of 650 fibromyalgia patients (11 studies) and 88 chronic fatigue syndrome patients (3 studies). None of the studies reported effects on autonomic function. Six studies reported the effect of guided imagery on pain and daily functioning in fibromyalgia. The acute effect of a single session of guided imagery was studied in two studies and seems beneficial for pain relief. For other relaxation techniques (eg. muscle relaxation, autogenic training) no conclusive evidence was found for the effect on pain and functioning in fibromyalgia patients comparison to multimodal treatment programs. For fatigue a multimodal approach seemed better than relaxation, as shown in the sole three studies on chronic fatigue syndrome patients. Conclusion: There is moderate evidence for the acute effect of guided imagery on pain, although the content of the visualization is a matter of debate. Other relaxation formats and the effects on functionality and autonomic function require further study.

Protocole de relaxation intégrative et transdiagnostique pour patients anxieux. Résultats d’une étude pilote

The literature data show that relaxation practice is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. Different techniques such as progressive muscular relaxation, autogenic training, applied relaxation and meditation have been evaluated independently for anxiety disorders. The question is to know whether the combination of various techniques may be of interest in the transdiagnostic treatment of anxiety disorders. The present study assessed the short-term efficacy of a 10-week integrative and transdiagnostic relaxation program for anxiety disorders in outpatients of an anxiety disorders unit. The diagnoses were made according to the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI; Sheehan et al., 1998) and completed with an assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms using: the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y, -S and -T), the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Four techniques were integrated into the structured 10-week protocol: breathing control, muscular relaxation, meditation and mental visualization. Twenty-eight patients (12 men and 16 women), mean age (S.D.)=38.82 years (11.57), were included in the study. All the included patients fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for a current diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (n=13) or Panic Disorder (n=15) with or without agoraphobia. At the end of the 10 sessions, we found a significant reduction in mean scores (S.D.) on the STAI-T from 53.179 (6.037) to 49.821 (8.028) (P<0.02), the BDI-II 20.964 (13.167) to 15.429 (11.341) (d=0.6543) and the QIPS 55.071 (10.677) to 49.679 (11.7) (d=0.5938). The observed reduction in the STAI-S (d=0.2776) was not significant. The results of this open study showed that this program significantly decreases the level of trait anxiety, depression and worry. The integrative and transdiagnostic relaxation program could represent an accessible and effective treatment to reduce anxious and depressive symptoms in various anxiety disorders. Future research should address the development of controlled trials assessing the impact of the different dimensions of anxiety and the long-term effects of this protocol.

The effect of autogenic training on salivary immunoglobulin A in surgical patients with breast cancer: A randomized pilot trial

Psychological stress among breast cancer patients can inhibit immune function and contribute to disease progression. We investigated the effects of autogenic training (AT), a relaxation method for reducing stress, on salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in breast cancer surgery patients. Thirty patients scheduled to undergo breast cancer surgery were randomly assigned to an AT or control group (usual care). Patients in the AT group underwent training for 7 days after surgery. Salivary IgA and heart rate variability were assessed on the day before surgery, and on the third and seventh postoperative days. Levels of sIgA were significantly higher on the seventh postoperative day in the AT group (n = 7) compared to the control group (n = 7) (p = 0.049). These findings suggest that AT may improve immune function in breast surgery patients.

Effectiveness of Autogenic Training in improving motor performances in Parkinson's disease

Relaxation training can be an important adjunct in reducing symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Autogenic Training (AT) is a simple, easily administered and inexpensive technique for retraining the mind and the body to be able to relax. AT uses visual imagery and body awareness to promote a state of deep relaxation. To investigate whether AT when used as an adjunct to Physiotherapy (PT) improves motor performances in PD in comparison with a control group receiving PT alone. Randomized, controlled, single blinded trial. Movement Disorder Clinic and Department of Physiotherapy, Sree Chithira Thirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Patients with PD of grade 2 or 3 of Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) scale (N = 66). AT group or control group. The techniques were administered by Physiotherapists trained in AT and consisted of 40 sessions per patient over 8 weeks. Motor score subscale of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was used to measure the motor performances. The primary outcome measure was the difference in Motor score subscale of UPDRS scores between Week 1 (pretest score), Week 8 (posttest score), and follow-up at Week 12 after randomization. The simple main effects analysis showed that the AT group performed better than the control group in weeks 8 and 12 (P < .005). Patients in the AT and control groups reported a 51.78% and 35.24% improvement, respectively, in their motor performances in Week 8 compared with that in Week 1, which persisted, in the follow-up (Week 12) as 30.82% in the AT group and 21.42% in the control group. This study provides evidence that AT when used as an adjunct to PT is more effective than PT alone in improving motor performances in PD patients.

Effects of strength and endurance training intervention on thigh intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue in sarkopenic women

Effects of strength and endurance training intervention on thigh intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue in sarkopenic women

Effectiveness of autogenic training for treatment of muscle spasticity in patients with ischemic stroke at late rehabilitation period

Effectiveness of autogenic training for treatment of muscle spasticity in patients with ischemic stroke at late rehabilitation period

The Usage of Cognitive, Somatic and Negative Coping Strategies by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) athletes

Background of the Study: Ability to cope with pressure and anxiety to increase performance is an integral part of sports.There is considerable evidence in support of the relationship between anxiety and coping strategies and performance of athletes.Coping strategies can be divided into cognitive, somatic and negative.Cognitive coping strategies are imagery, thought stopping, focus in the present, think practice, worst-case scenario, keep active, positive self-talk, simulation and goal-setting. Whereas somatic coping strategies, which include in the present research are progressive relaxation, meditation, breath control, autogenic training and biofeedback. Athletes also found using negative coping strategies like drugs, alcohol and smoking. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usage of cognitive, somatic and negative coping strategies according to gender. Besides that, the present study also finds the correlations between coping strategies and sport performance.Study Design: Comparative descriptive study design was used to compare Cognitive, Somatic and Negative Coping Strategies among athletes.Place and Duration of Study: Sample: The sample consisted of 98 athletes, male (N=53) and female (N= 45).The data was collected during sport between universities.Methodology: The instrument used for the study comprised of a 26-item of Cognitive, Somatic and Negative Coping Strategies. In additional, the study also used Sport Performance Questionnaire.Results: Result showed that male athletes used more cognitive, somatic and negative coping strategies.The result also showed that those athletes, who highly used cognitive, somatic and negative coping strategies, their performance increase.Conclusion: Therefore, sport psychologist and coach should encourage female athletes to use more coping strategies, since it increases sport performances. Even though, negative coping strategies also enhance performance, but sport psychologist, sport counselor and coach, should discourage athletes use it, since it can cause negative effect to health and consider as unethical behavior.

EPA-1025 - Integrative psychotherapy model of anxiety disorders

At the present time in Ukraine the special priority has the problem of anxiety and somatoform disorders. A prevalence of clinical anxiety and phenomena of somatization neurotic disturbances in general and necessity of differential diagnostics with somatic diseases were the precondition for studying this area. At the same time, in Ukrainethe diagnosis 'Vegetative-vascular dystonia' which is ciphered G 90.8, according to ICD-10 instead of 'Neurotic stress-induced and Somatoform disorders'F40-F48 is used. It leads unreasonable treatment significant contingents of neurotic patients in neurological departments. The 60 agoraphobia (F 40.0)patients, 40 panic disorder (PD) and 40 somatoform vegetative dysfunction of cardiovascular system integrative (SVDCS) (F45.30) patients were examined. The emotional disturbances of all thease patients were investigated with the clinicand pathopsychological methods. The high level of anxiety was shown. Pathopsychologically the high level of personality anxiety and low level of neurotism and depression were indentified. The system of psychotherapy correction was established, based on integrative principles, with the suggestive, cognitive-behavioral, autogenic training techniques correspondence. Our experience showed the necessity of the integrative models of psychotherapy provided, parted on stage. On the first stage - sedative-adapting the receptions of cognitive and suggestive psychotherapy are used. There is groupe therapy on second-main-stage. On the third stage-pesupportive elements of the autogenic training mastered. Clinical approbation integrative psychotherapy system shown the 82% high, 12%-middle, 6%- low efficacy.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Bio-Psycho-Social Aspects, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and Autogenic Training in Persistent Stress: Case Study, Part 2

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Bio-Psycho-Social Aspects, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and Autogenic Training in Persistent Stress: Case Study, Part 2

There Is Hope: Autogenic Biofeedback Training for the Treatment of Psoriasis

Many college students experience stress-related illness, and in one study, 82% of students reported significant improvement in health when they participated in a semester-long stress management program. The factors that contribute to symptom reduction are illustrated by the case report of a 23-year-old male student who had been suffering from psoriasis for the past 5 years, which was not alleviated with medication and traditional medical treatment. He participated in an integrated self-regulation program consisting of daily self-healing home practice for 3 weeks, a desensitization strategy, autogenic training, and biofeedback training, coupled with pre- and posttreatment biofeedback assessments. Results showed a significant improvement in the clearing of the skin, more positive self-talk, and improved posture. The benefits have been maintained at the 4-month follow-up. Discussed are the training components and procedures along with factors that contributed to the clinical success and that can be applied to numerous other stress-related disorders.

Autogenic Training – a self-help technique for children with emotional and behavioural problems

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss Autogenic Training as an effective therapy for children with behavioural and emotional problems. The technique offers children in therapeutic communities strategies in dealing better with stress- and anxiety-related problems. The resulting increased body awareness and ability for self-reflection can also lead to a better engagement in other forms of therapy, decrease anxieties, reduce levels of frustration, increase self-esteem, decrease the fight/flight feeling and supports the work in therapeutic communities. Design/methodology/approach – International literature and the author's experience are reviewed to provide a better understanding of the technique and its potential in therapeutic communities. The paper explores creative ways of modifying the technique aiming to help children engage in the autogenic process. Findings – The paper concludes that Autogenic Training is an effective therapy and self-help technique for children with emotional and behavioural problems in therapeutic communities. Originality/value – Autogenic Training is well known in other European countries and often used as a first intervention in therapeutic settings for children and adults. There seems to be a clear lack of literature, papers and understanding of the technique in the UK. The paper addresses this deficit.

Recommendations of the Sardinian public for the treatment of depression

Public beliefs about appropriate treatment impact, help-seeking and treatment adherence. To determine the recommendations of the Sardinian public for the treatment of depression. In 2012, a population-based survey was conducted by phone in Sardinia (N = 1,200). In the context of a fully structured interview, respondents were presented with a vignette depicting a case of depression. Subsequently, they were asked about their treatment recommendations. The results are contrasted with findings from a similar survey which had been conducted in Vienna 3 years before. In Sardinia as in Vienna, psychotherapy was the uncontested favorite, while antidepressant medication was recommended by relatively few respondents. In Sardinia, there were also no marked differences between urban and rural areas with regard to these two treatments. However, between Sardinia and Vienna, as well as within Sardinia, great differences were found with regard to autogenic training and 'alternative' methods like homeopathic medicines and acupuncture. Cross-cultural comparisons may help better understand treatment preferences of the public. In Sardinia, as in Vienna, there seems to be a need for improving the public's knowledge about the appropriate treatment of depression.