Autogenic Relaxation Training Research Articles

FEASIBILITY AND OUTCOMES OF AUTOGENIC RELAXATION TRAINING IN ADDITION TO USUAL PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR STROKE SURVIVORS – A PILOT STUDY

A significant percentage of stroke survivors are reported to have anxiety and depression. Autogenic Relaxation Training (ART), a psychophysiological self-control therapy which aims to induce relaxation proved to be effective in reducing the anxiety and depression in some health conditions. However, there is lack of studies which evaluated the effects of ART in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors. The aim of this experimental pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of ART in addition to usual physiotherapy for stroke survivors. A total of 14 sub-acute stroke survivors from a teaching hospital were enrolled in this study. All participants received 20 minutes ART followed by 40 minutes usual physiotherapy once a week and they were requested to carry out the intervention at home for twice per week, for six weeks. Intervention outcomes were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D), Barthel Index (BI), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and EuroQol 5-Dimension 5 Levels (EQ5D5L). Changes in all outcome measures were analysed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test, with level of significance set at p<0.05. Post-intervention, there is statistically significant reduction of the HADS-A (p=0.04), HADS-D (p=0.02), TUG (p=0.004) and EQ5D5L (p=0.03) scores of the participants. Although not statistically significant, the mean score ± SD of BI increased from 95 ± 12.5 to 100 ± 6.25. The intervention is feasible and acceptable by the stroke survivors with no adverse events reported. In conclusion, ART in addition to usual physiotherapy is feasible and beneficial in reducing anxiety and depression, and improving functional ability, mobility and quality of life among stroke survivors.

Burn-out and stress percipience benefits of a stress management program by autogenic relaxation training for teachers: A pilot study

Stress in the present world is an indivisible piece of life, regardless of social position and status. It is definitely experienced by all in different magnitude in daily life. Burnout is characterized as a negative mental encounter that is responses to work-related pressure. It relates to emotions experienced that require repeated exposure to emotionally charged social situations. In this manner, it is a work-related risk to which all individuals are uncovered, including teachers. The teaching profession is under large occupational pressure and prone to job burnout. The study aims to (i) assess the level of occupational burnout and stress among teachers of private and fully aided schools in the post-test for the experimental and control groups. (ii) to determine the effectiveness of autogenic relaxation on occupational burnout and stress among teachers of private and fully aided schools. A quantitative research approach with a True experimental design with experimental and control group, pre-test - post-test control group design was adopted for this study. The study focused on the selected schools in Vellore district. Totally, 28 participants selected by consecutive sampling techniques with the age of 25-60 years. Based on the inclusion criteria and availability of teachers, they were allocated into the control group (n=14) and experimental group (n=14).Demographic variables, occupational burnout, stress were assessed by using (Maslach burnout inventory and teacher stress inventory) it was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Stress management program by autogenic training once a week for 6 weeks was given. This program was prepared based on existing research and studies. We found that the median value in the pre-test is significantly different from the median value in the post-test for Maslach Burnout Inventory; the median value is significantly different for the emotional exhaustion sub-scale (t=216 and P=0.02). No significant difference was observed for depersonalization and personal accomplishment sub-scale. In the Teacher stress inventory the median value is significantly different for cardiovascular manifestations (t=201 and p=0.945); Fatigue manifestations (t=229 and p=0.229). No significant difference was observed for time management, work-related stressors, professional distress, discipline and motivation, professional investment, fatigue manifestations, emotional manifestations, gastronomical manifestations, and behavioral manifestations. This research suggests that autogenic relaxation training interventions with teachers are effective in reducing burn-out and stress.

Burn-out and stress percipience benefits of a stress management program by autogenic relaxation training for teachers: A pilot study

Stress in the present world is an indivisible piece of life, regardless of social position and status. It is definitely experienced by all in different magnitude in daily life. Burnout is characterized as a negative mental encounter that is responses to work-related pressure. It relates to emotions experienced that require repeated exposure to emotionally charged social situations. In this manner, it is a work-related risk to which all individuals are uncovered, including teachers. The teaching profession is under large occupational pressure and prone to job burnout. The study aims to (i) assess the level of occupational burnout and stress among teachers of private and fully aided schools in the post-test for the experimental and control groups. (ii) to determine the effectiveness of autogenic relaxation on occupational burnout and stress among teachers of private and fully aided schools. A quantitative research approach with a True experimental design with experimental and control group, pre-test - post-test control group design was adopted for this study. The study focused on the selected schools in Vellore district. Totally, 28 participants selected by consecutive sampling techniques with the age of 25-60 years. Based on the inclusion criteria and availability of teachers, they were allocated into the control group (n=14) and experimental group (n=14).Demographic variables, occupational burnout, stress were assessed by using (Maslach burnout inventory and teacher stress inventory) it was analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Stress management program by autogenic training once a week for 6 weeks was given. This program was prepared based on existing research and studies. We found that the median value in the pre-test is significantly different from the median value in the post-test for Maslach Burnout Inventory; the median value is significantly different for the emotional exhaustion sub-scale (t=216 and P=0.02).

Autogenic Training Relaxation Helping Postpartum Mothers to Achieve Successful Breastfeeding on Early Lactation Period

Introduction: The numbers of breastfeeding failures are mostly caused by mothers` disbelief to themselves. One method that can be done to overcome these problems in accordance with the self-care nursing theory is the autogenic training relaxation. This method teaches mothers to be self-sufficient in building a positive intention and motivation to help the process of breastfeeding. This study aimed to examine the influence of autogenic training relaxation to the effectiveness of breastfeeding and the enhancement of breast milk volume on maternal postpartum.Method: By using an experimental posttest only-non equivalent control group design, 26 samples were taken based on the criteria and divided into two groups by matching technuiqe. autogenic training was given through MP3 Player for 3 weeks. Post-test observation conducted on the third week by home visit. Via Christi Breastfeeding Assessment Tool Jan Riordan modifications used to assess the effectiveness of breastfeeding, and to measure the milk ejection volume, used weighing test using electronic baby scales. Data were analyzed using one-tailed independent t test with α ≤ 0.05.Result: The analysis showed that mothers who did autogenic training relaxation could breastfeed more effectively and had greater average volume of milk ejection than the control group (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001).Discussion: It can be concluded that autogenic relaxation training techniques affect the effectiveness of breastfeeding and breast milk volume. These results can be considered that autogenic training as an intervention in program of support for breastfeeding mothers.

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.

Relaxation training after stroke: potential to reduce anxiety

Objective: To consider the feasibility of setting up a relaxation group to treat symptoms of post stroke anxiety in an in-patient post-acute setting; and to explore the effectiveness of relaxation training in reducing self-reported tension. Method: A relaxation group protocol was developed in consultation with a multidisciplinary team and a user group. Over a period of 24 months, 55 stroke patients attended group autogenic relaxation training on a rehabilitation ward. Attendance ranged between one and eleven sessions. Self-reported tension was assessed pre and post relaxation training using the Tension Rating Circles (TRCs). Results: The TRCs identified a significant reduction in self-reported tension from pre to post training, irrespective of the number of sessions attended; z = −3.656, p < 0.001, r = −0.67, for those who attended multiple sessions, z = −2.758, p < 0.01, r = −0.6 for those who attended a single session. Discussion: The routine use of relaxation techniques in treating anxiety in patients undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation shows potential. Self-reported tension decreased after attendance at relaxation training. The TRCs proved acceptable to group members, but should be validated against standard anxiety measures. Further exploration of the application of relaxation techniques in clinical practice is desirable.Implications for RehabilitationAnxiety is prevalent after stroke and likely affects rehabilitation outcomes.Relaxation training is a well proven treatment for anxiety in the non-stroke population.A significant within session reduction in tension, a hallmark symptom of anxiety, was evidenced via group relaxation training delivered in a post-acute, in-patient stroke unit setting.Relaxation training a shows promise as a treatment for anxiety after stroke.

The Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Autogenic Relaxation on Young Soccer Players’ Mood States

This study was designed to compare the effects of two different relaxation techniques, namely progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenic relaxation (AGR) on moods of young soccer players. sixteen adolescent athletes (mean age: 14.1 ± 1.3) received either PMR or AGR training. Using Profile of Mood States- Adolescents, their mood states were measured one week before relaxation training, before the first relaxation session, and after the twelfth relaxation session. Mixed ANOVA revealed no significant interaction effects and no significant main effects in any of the subscales. However, significant main effects for testing sessions were found for confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension subscales. Post hoc tests revealed post-intervention reductions in the confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension subscale scores. These two relaxation techniques induce equivalent mood responses and may be used to regulate young soccer players' mood states.

The significance of the relationship between external/internal locus of control and adolescent substance use in behavioral medicine

Prevention and treatment of the addictions are key public health priorities in modern society. In medical practice, in relation to the biochemical processes, mapping the addiction-prone personality traits, like external/internal locus of control are getting more and more attention. Individuals with high level on internal locus of control, for example, tend to take care of their health behavior; the lack of it, on the other hand, may worsen the effectiveness of stress release which may increase the likelihood of turning to substance use. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the relationship between adolescent substance use (both lifetime prevalence and the actual substance user status) and external/internal locus of control). The data collection of the questionnaire survey was going on among 656 high school students in Szeged (age range between 14-21 years, mean = 16.5 years, S.D. = 1.5 years of age, 49.1% of the sample was female). Associations between indicators of substance use (as dependent variables) and scale points of external/internal locus of control (as independent variables) were assessed using odds ratios calculated by logistic regression analyses, whereas gender was used as a controlling variable. Among boys, scale points of external, among girls, those of internal locus of control showed higher values. External locus of control increased, whereas internal locus of control decreased the risk of substance use, however, the relative role of external/internal locus of control was different according to the type of substance use and the prevalence values. In terms of smoking, lifetime prevalence, whereas in terms of marijuana use, the actual user status was influenced. In addition, while the latter one was also affected by gender, it did not play a role at all in the previous one. All these findings suggest that behavioral control may play a particularly important role in prevention of adolescent substance use. For developing this, methods of cognitive therapy would be effective to be completed with autogenic relaxation training as well.

Psychological Factors in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Chronic pain disability is a challenging condition in which biological, psychological, and social factors dynamically interact with each other. Especially the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with CRPS put demands on techniques as well as on the rehabilitation framework. The general recommendation is a multidisciplinary team approach for CRPS patients. The psychological contribution should comprise a thorough assessment, followed by a psychological pain management component including relaxation/biofeedback training, cognitive interventions, behavioral interventions and extended cognitive-behavioral therapy.Approximately one-half to two-third of all patients diagnosed with chronic pain manifest various levels of psychological distress. Still, there is insufficient research-based information about the role of psychological factors in the etiology, prognosis and clinical picture of CRPS.Studies reveal that patients for whom CRPS-1 developed after radial forearm fracture seem to have neither a unique psychological pattern nor display more symptoms of depression than those who fully recover. In fact, CRPS patients seem to have common psychological features and show the same amount of anxiety and depression as patients with Fibromyalgia and Repetitive Strain Injury. Physical therapy in combination with autogenic relaxation training seems to lead to a significant improvement in limb temperature compared to physical therapy alone.Further research is needed to improve theory about psychological factors in CRPS. At present, there seems to be no published study specifically evaluating psychological factors in the etiology, clinical picture or prognosis of CRPS. Comparative controlled studies should be made to create practical clinical treatment methods for the patients. Probable psychological topics of importance in understanding CRPS are, among other distress factors: affect regulation and particularly alexithymia, fear-avoidance and catastrophising.

Effectiveness of Autogenic Relaxation Training on Children and Adolescents With Behavioral and Emotional Problems

To investigate the effectiveness of autogenic relaxation training in a mildly disturbed outpatient population of children and adolescents with mostly internalizing symptoms, and/or some aggressive, impulsive, or attention deficit symptoms. Fifty children and adolescents from southern Germany (mean age 10.2 years; range 6-15 years; mostly intact middle class family background) participated in a group intervention program. Fifteen patients were randomly assigned to a waiting-list control group. Behavior symptoms (Child Behavior Checklist), psychosomatic complaints (Giessen Complaint List), and level of stress were assessed before and after the intervention or after the waiting phase. Individual goal attainment was evaluated at the end of the intervention and in a 3-month follow-up. The parent report on CBCL reflected reduced symptoms compared with control. The child report indicated reduced stress and psychosomatic complaints both in the intervention and control group, and no significant group x time interaction effects occurred on these scales. Effect sizes of 0.49 in the CBCL and 0.36 in the complaint list indicated clinically relevant effects of the intervention compared with the control group. At the end of the intervention, 56% of the children and 55% of the parents reported partial goal attainment, 38% of the children and 30% of the parents reported complete goal attainment; 71% of the parents confirmed partial goal attainment 3 months postintervention. Autogenic relaxation training is an effective broadband method for children and adolescents.

Comment on the Article by Banks et al. “Effects of Autogenic Relaxation Training on Electromyographic Activity in Active Myofascial Trigger Points”

(2000). Comment on the Article by Banks et al. “Effects of Autogenic Relaxation Training on Electromyographic Activity in Active Myofascial Trigger Points”. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 143-144.

Effects of Autogenic Relaxation Training on Electromyographic Activity in Active Myofascial Trigger Points

Objectives: Previous studies in our laboratory have suggested that myofascial trigger points [MTrPs] are electrically active and are sensitive to psychological stressors even when surrounding muscle tissue is silent. This study investigated the effects of Autogenic Relaxation Training [AT] on the needle electromygraphic [EMG] response of active MTrPs and adjacent [non-TrP] muscle fibers in the upper trapezius of 21 chronic pain patients.Methods: Participants were trained in AT in the laboratory and sent home for daily practice two-ten days prior to data collection. Mean amplitude needle EMG response from the TrP and non-TrP muscle fibers were recorded. Data points were recorded in one minute periods throughout four conditions: baseline, relaxation, post-relaxation, and a mental mathematical stressor.Results: Results from paired t-tests revealed that AT significantly and dramatically reduced the needle EMG activity in TrPs from baseline to relaxation.Conclusion: The results indicate that relaxation training may be an effective tool in the treatment of TrP pain possibly mediated by intrafusal muscle fibers via the sympathetic nervous system.

Racial and gender effects on the relaxation response: Implications for the development of hypertension

This study was designed to explore the effect of race and gender on the forehead muscle tension and finger temperature response to biofeedback-assisted relaxation training in individuals with normal blood pressure. Forty-five subjects-18 Black and 27 White, 25 males and 20 females-participated in eight sessions of autogenic relaxation training and thermal biofeedback. Multivariate analysis of variance of the variables measured at baseline (systolic BP diastolic BP sodium excretion, anxiety) was significant for gender Univariate analysis showed males different from females in DBP Na(+) excretion, and trait anxiety. Pretest values of muscle tension were similar by gender, but pretest temperatures were lower in males than females. Repeated measures ANOVA for muscle tension showed a significant effect of period. For temperature a significant effect of period, gender and gender x period was observed. Males increased temperature more than females. There was no effect of history of hypertension on the relaxation response. Multiple regression performed on change in muscle tension and change in temperature showed that pretest muscle tension predicted change in muscle tension. Four variables contributed to the variance in change in temperature: pretest temperature, sodium excretion, and state and trait anxiety.

Long-term efficacy of combined relaxation: biofeedback treatments for chronic headache

Thirty-four patients having chronic idiopathic headaches participated in a long-term study comparing autogenic relaxation training alone (REL) with combinations of relaxation and electromyographic biofeedback (REL + EMG) or relaxation and temperature biofeedback (REL + TEMP). Assignment to treatment conditions was balanced on demographics and clinical characteristics, as well as headache classification according to muscle contraction or vascular headache symptomatology. The results indicate that REL + TEMP produced no additional improvements over REL following the 8-week treatment program, or at 6-month, or 12-month follow-up. However, REL + EMG produced significantly greater reductions in headache activity measures than the REL and REL + TEMP conditions at all post-treatment time points. Headache activity continued to improve over the follow-up period independent of treatment condition. These data indicate that EMG biofeedback augments long-term clinical improvements in headache patients who undergo autogenic relaxation training.

Multimodal migraine treatment: does thermal feedback add to the outcome?

SYNOPSISThis study was carried out to examine the therapeutic necessity of thermal feedback training in a multimodal treatment program for migraine headache. Twenty‐one patients with frequent (at least two per month) migraine headaches or combined migraine‐tension headaches were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) autogenic relaxation training followed by stress‐coping training; (2) the same treatment package supplemented with thermal feedback.Results indicated the equivalent effectiveness of both treatments in ameliorating headache activity and reducing medication use. These outcomes were stable 7 months after treatment. Between‐group comparisons on clinical improvement and on temperature performance with autogenic relaxation, as well as findings from post‐treatment interviews, led to the conclusion that thermal feedback training can be excluded without weakening the program's therapeutic efficacy.In general the results suggest that thermal feedback per sé does not add to the treatment outcomes obtainable with general relaxation training, and that for patients characterized by high achievement‐motivation and sensitivity to initial failure a feedback regimen might even be counterproductive. Both findings need further experimental clarification.