Muscle Relaxation Therapy Research Articles

Brief behavioral treatment for insomnia decreases trauma-related nightmare frequency in veterans.

Trauma-related nightmares are highly prevalent among veterans and are associated with higher-severity insomnia and posttraumatic stress disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (typically 6-8 sessions) has been shown to reduce trauma-related nightmares. Brief behavioral treatment for insomnia (BBTI, 4 sessions) has been found to be comparable to CBT-I in decreasing insomnia severity; however, the effects of BBTI on nightmares have not been investigated. The current study tested the effects of BBTI on both trauma-related nightmares and nontrauma-related bad dreams using an active control group treated using progressive muscle relaxation therapy. In addition, we tested whether baseline trauma-related nightmare frequency and baseline nontrauma-related bad dream frequency moderated changes in insomnia severity. Participants were 91 military veterans with insomnia disorder randomized to BBTI or progressive muscle relaxation therapy. Participants reported insomnia severity on the Insomnia Severity Index and reported trauma-related nightmare frequency and nontrauma-related bad dream frequency on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-PTSD Addendum. We found that BBTI significantly reduced trauma-related nightmares from baseline to posttreatment, whereas progressive muscle relaxation therapy did not. However, reductions in trauma-related nightmares were not maintained at the 6-month follow up. Neither BBTI nor progressive muscle relaxation therapy reduced nontrauma-related bad dreams from baseline to posttreatment. We also found that neither baseline trauma-related nightmare frequency nor baseline nontrauma-related bad dream frequency moderated changes in insomnia symptom severity. Findings from the current study suggest that BBTI may help reduce trauma-related nightmares. Further research is needed to better understand the potential mechanisms underlying how improved sleep may reduce trauma-related nightmares. Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Brief Behavioral Insomnia Treatment Study (BBTI); URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02571452; Identifier: NCT02571452. Ranney RM, Gloria R, Metzler TJ, Huggins J, Neylan TC, Maguen S. Brief behavioral treatment for insomnia decreases trauma-related nightmare frequency in veterans. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022:18(7):1831-1839.

Effects of progressive muscle relaxation therapy with home exercise on pain, fatigue, and stress in subjects with fibromyalgia syndrome: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Fibromyalgia is accompanied by symptoms of fatigue, depression, sleep disorders, and physical and mental stress[1]. It is a difficult-to-treat disorder because its exact causes are unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy (PMRT) on pain, fatigue, and stress in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Thirty-seven patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (age: 20-65years) were randomly allocated to the PMRT group (n1= 18, 2 men and 16 women) or non-PMRT group (n2= 19, 2 men and 17 women). The PMRT group received PMRT twice a week for 8weeks and the non-PMRT group received conventional physical therapies such as electro-stimulation and heat therapies during this period. The outcome was evaluated before and after 8week sofintervention using the Visual Analogue Scale, Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue, Perceived Stress Scale, and measurement of the blood pressure and pulse rate. Pain and fatigue significantly decreased in the PMRT group compared with the non-PMRT group (both P< 0.001). In addition, perceived stress (P< 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P< 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P< 0.05), and pulse rate (P< 0.001) significantly decreased in the PMRT group compared with the non-PMRT group. The findings indicate that progressive muscle relaxation therapy is a viable rehabilitative therapy for pain, fatigue, and stress symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Guided Imagery And Progressive Muscle Relaxation In Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy : A Literature Review

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Introduction: Cancer is one of the health problems with a rapid increase in incidence and proven to be the second leading cause of death in the world today. Cancer is also a common problem that occurs in the elderly who suffer from the predicted increase in 605 million in 2000 to 2 trillion in 2050 (Shahriari et al., 2017). Therapy that is often done by patients is by doing chemotherapy, but by doing chemotherapy there are many side effects on the patient's physical and psychological. Interventions that can be given in addition to pharmacological drugs are alternative or complementary therapies. Independent intervention that can be done by nurses in patients given Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) therapy and guided images (GI). Method: Search is done electronically using a database, including google scholer and sch from May 2019 to June 2019. The keywords used are "Therapy for Cancer Patients", "Guided Images &amp; Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Cancer Patients" and "Progressive Muscles Relaxation" . Search uses the keywords above with the Google Scholer and Sci-Hub databases. Search results on Google Sholer and Sci-Hub obtained several articles. Results: Independent nursing interventions such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) can be used in all stages of cancer and are known to reduce complications from cancer treatment (Shahriari et al., 2017). GI is a complementary therapy that can be applied under different conditions and at various participations to improve quality of life and decrease the risk of cancer (Shahriari et al., 2017). Discussion: GI and PMR interventions show strong evidence of the benefits of managing cluster considerations in prostate and breast cancer patients. In the intervention group compared with controls. Conclusion: PMR and GI interventions that address cancer patients who support Chemotherapy.

The Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy and Guided Imagery Techniques for Reducing Blood Pressure in Hypertension Patients

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure. The number of hypertensive people continues to increase every year. It is estimated that in 2025 there will be 1.5 billion people affected by hypertension, and 10.44 million people die each year due to hypertension and its complications. AIM: To determine the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation therapy and guided imagination techniques in reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension. METHODS: This study used a quasi-experimental methodology with a two-group pretest and posttest design, as well as a large sample of 36 respondents divided into two groups: progressive muscle relaxation therapy and guided imagining approaches. Every day for 6 days, each group received 15 min of treatment. Blood pressure was measured before and after each treatment. RESULTS: The results of the study using the Friedman, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in progressive muscle relaxation therapy by 9.89 mmHg and 7.73 mmHg (p = 0.000 α &lt; 0.05) and technique guided imagination by 4.2 mmHg and 3.2 mmHg (p = 0.000 α &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: The progressive muscle relaxation therapy was more effective than the guided imagination technique in reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension. As a nurse, it is hoped that they can apply therapies such as progressive muscle relaxation therapy and guided imagination techniques as an alternative to nonpharmacological therapy in handling hypertension clients.

Relaksasi Terapi Otot Progresif Terhadap Penurunan Skala Nyeri Low Back Pain (LBP) Pada Pengrajin Keset

Low Back Pain (LBP) or low back pain is one of the complaints of MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders) which is often complained of by tailors. In industrialized countries, about 80 percent of the population has experienced LBP which often occurs at the age of 35 to 55 years. In Indonesia, based on the results of the 2018 Basic Health Research, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disease based on the diagnosis of health workers is 7.3%. One of the complementary methods that can be used to treat LBP pain is to use progressive muscle relaxation techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on reducing the LBP pain scale. The design of this study was a quasi-experimental design with Pre and Post Test Without Control. The research sample was doormat craftsmen at the UKK Majun Post at Citankil Health Center as many as 30 people. The results of the univariate analysis showed that the average LBP pain scale before the progressive muscle relaxation intervention was 6.79, while after the progressive muscle relaxation intervention the average LBP pain scale was 4.03. From the results of the bivariate analysis, it is known that there is an effect of progressive muscle relaxation on the LBP pain scale in doormat craftsmen at the UKK Majun Post, Citangkil Health Center Work Area, Cilegon City in 2021 (p value: 0.000). Researchers suggest that craftsmen maintain the progressive muscle relaxation method if they experience LBP pain in the future. In addition, for the UKK Pos management, it is recommended to work together with the Puskesmas to carry out regular health checks and provide education on preventing LBP pain to craftsmen.&#x0D; Keywords: low back pain, progressive muscle relaxation &#x0D; Keywords: low back pain, progressive muscle relaxation

Sedation, Analgesia, and Muscle Relaxation During VV-ECMO Therapy in Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A Single-Center, Retrospective, Observational Study.

Objective: The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ECMO-supported sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxants have changed, but there are insufficient data to determine the optimal dosing strategies for these agents. Sedation, analgesia and muscle relaxation therapy for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) receiving ECMO support are more specific and have not been fully reported. This study observed and evaluated the use of sedative and analgesic drugs and muscle relaxants in SARS-CoV-2 patients treated with VV-ECMO.Methods: This study was a single-center, retrospective and observational study. Our study includes 8 SARS-CoV-2 patients treated with VV-ECMO in an intensive care unit at Shanghai Public Health Center from February to June 2020. We collected the demographic data from these patients and the dose and course of sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxants administered during ECMO treatment.Results: The doses of sedative, analgesic and muscle relaxant drugs used in patients with VV-ECMO were significant. Over time, the doses of drugs that were used were increased, and the course of muscle relaxant treatment was extended.Conclusion: Sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxant use require individualized titration in patients with SARS-CoV-2 who have respiratory failure and who are receiving VV-ECMO.

Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic through Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all sectors of life and all walks of life. The education sector is one of the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lectures during the pandemic using distance learning / online. The research design used a quasi experiment with a pre post test without a control group. The number of samples is 163 students in Kendal Regency with purposive sampling technique. The research data was collected using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21) questionnaire. The research location is in Kendal Regency. The age of the youngest respondent is 18 years and the oldest is 50 years, the majority are female as many as 148 respondents (90.8 %), There is an effect of providing progressive muscle relaxation technique intervention on reducing stress levels with p value 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05). Prompt treatment using the right way will help deal with stress. Unresolved stress will have an impact on health and productivity in life. Progressive muscle relaxation techniques can be used to reduce stress levels and relieve stress.

Efficacy of botulinum toxin type A in the management of masticatory myofascial pain: A retrospective clinical study

BackgroundMuscular pain is the main cause of disability worldwide. Myofascial pain of orofacial origin is a frequent condition, the treatment of which is not always accomplished with traditional treatment. Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) is being studied for the treatment of this type of pain with contradicting results. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of BTA in the therapeutic management of masticatory myofascial pain (MFP). Case DescriptionA retrospective study of 100 patients with a diagnosis of MFP was conducted. The control group (50 patients) received conventional treatment (prescription of a muscle relaxant and craniocervical physical therapy). The BTA group (50 patients) received this same treatment and the infiltration of 100 units of BTA in the masticatory musculature. Subjective and objective pain ratings and range of mandibular movements were recorded before and after the treatment. No differences were found between groups in the baseline values. Statistically significant improvements were found in both groups compared with baseline values in all studied parameters. Moreover, BTA improved the subjective pain ratings compared with the control group. The administration of BTA added to the conventional treatment does not seem to improve objective pain ratings and functional measurements, but it improves the subjective pain ratings. Practical ImplicationsThe addition of BTA could be beneficial in the treatment of MFP in addition to conventional treatment, but further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this positive effect.

IMPACT OF PILATES TRAINING VERSUS PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION TECHNIQUE ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN- A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Menopausal women shows common symptoms which includes night sweats and hot flushes, heart distress, disturbances in sleep, depression, irritability, anxiousness, weight changes, physical and mental fatigue, joint and muscle pain. This affects the Quality Of Life of the Menopausal women. Pilates Training has proven beneficial for enhancing QOL in menopausal women but there is paucity of evidence of effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique in Menopausal women on QOL. The research is an initiative study that focuses on the effectiveness of PMRT on the various aspects of Quality Of Life of the menopausal women and comparison of the Pilates training and PMRT in order to enhance the QOL of participants. Effect of Pilates training &amp; Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on menopausal women’s QOL and comparison of both the technique. Methods: 42 participants aged &gt;45 years will be randomly categorized in two groups: Group A (n= 21) and Group B (n=21). The study duration will be of 6 months. The pre and post Intervention will be taken from both the group and data will be analyzed with the help of main outcome measure which is Menopause specific Quality Of Life. Subject showed significant improvement in physical and psychosocial domain of MENQOL followed by both the intervention and Pilates Training has been seen more effective than PMRT. The study concluded that both the Pilates and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy helped in improving the patients QOL.

Escitalopram and progressive muscle relaxation training are both effective for the treatment of hot flashes in patients with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction Available treatments for hot flashes in patients with breast cancer are not always tolerable or effective for all patients. Methods Patients diagnosed to have primary breast cancer were randomly allocated to receive 10 mg of escitalopram, placebo, or progressive muscle relaxation therapy. Patients were asked to report the frequency and duration of hot flashes during day and night, at baseline and after ten weeks of treatment, and completed the menopause rating scale. Results Eighty-two patients were randomly assigned to receive escitalopram (n = 26), PMRT (n = 28), and placebo (n = 28). PMRT and escitalopram could effectively decrease number and duration of diurnal and nocturnal HFs in patients with breast cancer, with a better effect observed from escitalopram. They could both decrease the total score of MRS. Conclusion Both escitalopram ad PMRT can reveal nocturnal and diurnal HFs in terms of frequency and duration in patients with breast cancer.

Pengaruh Terapi Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) terhadap Depresi Pada Lansia di Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha (PSTW) Sabai Nan Aluih Sicincin

The problem of depression is still common in Indonesia. West Sumatra is in seventh position out of 34 provinces with the most depression problems. There are four treatments for depression in the elderly, namely psychological, medical, spiritual and physical approaches. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) therapy makes the body relax. feeling calm so tension is reduced. With a feeling of relaxation and calm, individuals will find it easier to feel calm in their thoughts and feelings. Aim Knowing the effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) therapy on depression in the elderly. Experimental research with Quasi experimental design pre and post test with control group. The sampling technique is simple random sampling. The sample consisted of 40 elderly people, who were divided into two groups, namely the intervention group and the control group. Measurement of depression scores using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) questionnaire with a total of 15 questions. Data analysis using Paired Sample T Test test. There was a decrease in depression scores after being treated with Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) therapy in the intervention group, with p = 0.000 (p &lt;0.05). This shows that there is a change in depression scores experienced by the elderly after being given Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) Therapy. Therapy Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) can be applied as a non-pharmacological therapy at the Panti Tresna Werdha (PSTW).

Effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation and laughter therapy on mental health and treatment outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial.

A majority of infertile women experience emotional problems, such as anxiety and depression. Nurses need nonpharmacological methods rather than drugs to address women's emotional distress during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises and laughter therapy on the mental health and treatment outcomes of women receiving IVF treatment. This parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted in a private IVF center. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG; n = 71) and control group (CG; n = 70). The IG received progressive muscle relaxation and laughter therapy for 40 min in each session for 3-4 sessions, whereas the CG received routine care. Data were obtained from the patient information form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and medical records. The questionnaire was completed at recruitment (T1) and oocyte pick-up day (T2). In the evaluation performed on the day of the oocyte pick-up, depression and trait anxiety scores of the IG were found to be lower than those in the CG, and the effect size was small. Group × time interaction was significant for depression (large effect size) and trait anxiety (small effect size). The estradiol levels, the number of oocytes, transfer status, and pregnancy rates (according to a blood test) were similar between groups. Women receiving IVF treatment who received progressive muscle relaxation and laughter therapy demonstrated psychological changes; however, the treatment did not affect medical outcomes.

Mind-body training and progressive muscle relaxation therapy on nurse with burnout syndrome

Background: Nurse burnout could affect nurse's professional competence. Either physical or emotional burnout was related to an ineffective individual coping and emotional intelligence. The nurse burnout could be coped with a direct intervention on the individuals who practically focused on the mind and body system.Purposes: This research was aimed to identify the effects of mind and body-based therapies (MBT and PMR) for nurse burnout.Methods: This research was quasi-experimental with two groups pretest-posttest design. The sample of this study was 50 nurses in the medical-surgical wards who were divided into intervention MBT and PMR with a simple random sampling technique. Collecting data using burnout syndrome measurements on nurses applied pre and post-intervention, which was analyzed by Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test.Results: The mean value of the burnout subscale decreased significantly (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization) and increased (personal accomplishment) after the MBT and PMR programs (p&lt;0.05). The comparison of effect between the two intervention groups on nurse burnout syndrome found no significant positive difference in the mean scores (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: Mind body-based therapies (MBT and PMR) could reduce burnout syndrome significantly.

Terapi Progressive Muscle Relaxation Mandiri bagi Perempuan dalam Menghadapi Stress Pandemi COVID-19

Women groups are vulnerable to psychological issues during Covid-19. The burden of domestic work and household problems can trigger stress and anxiety for them. The purpose of this community service is to reduce stress levels in women using progressive muscle relaxation techniques. The progressive muscle relaxation technique is the simplest and easiest relaxation method, simply by tensing and relaxing the muscles of the body. This therapy was carried out offline and online in seven sessions. The method for measuring the results of this activity was by a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design model. The community service was located in Padukuhan Ngelorejo, Gari, Wonosari, Yogyakarta Special Region, involving women PKK cadres. The results showed an effect of manipulation of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on reducing stress levels. Based on these results, there was a decrease in stress levels in participants after a progressive muscle relaxation therapy session. The effect of physical changes felt by participants was in the form of a lighter and relaxed body condition, while the psychological impact was a feeling of calm and comfort. Through the modules and video tutorials, participants were expected to facilitate progressive muscle relaxation therapy techniques to others independently.

PENGARUH RELAKSASI OTOT PROGRESIF TERHADAP KECEMASAN PADA WANITA PASANGAN USIA SUBUR (WPUS) PENDERITA HIV/AIDS

HIV / AIDS is an infectious disease that attacks the immune system. HIV / AIDS cases are still a health problem in the world, because the disease trend is still increasing. Negative stigma and discriminatory can cause high psychological distress and feelings of anxiety. Excessive anxiety will cause feelings of uncertainty, guilt, depression, and helplessness, anxiety, phobias, illusions and hallucinations, thus affecting the quality of life. This study aims to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on anxiety levels in women of reproductive age couples (WPUS) with HIV / AIDS. The research method used a quasi-experimental with One group pretest-posttest design. The sample was 10 people with HIV / AIDS. Data obtained using HARS and analyzed the T-dependent test with a significance test of p value 0.05 (95% CI). The results showed that the average anxiety index before progressive muscle relaxation therapy was 29.90 (severe anxiety), the average anxiety index after progressive muscle relaxation therapy was 16.50 (mild anxiety). The results of the analysis showed that there was an effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on the anxiety level of WPUS suffering from HIV / AIDS (p Value = 0.000). It is hoped that this progressive muscle relaxation therapy can be used to reduce the anxiety level of women of reproductive age couples (WPUS) suffering from HIV / AIDS through health education and demonstration of progressive muscle relaxation therapy movement.

Changes of Anxiety Scores in Pregnant Women With Hypertension After Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy

Pregnant with hypertension is one of the main causes of maternal and fetal death, but efforts to resolve them have not been optimal. To determine the difference in anxiety scores by Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) on pregnant women with hypertension. This study used a cross-over design. A total of 36 women in the third trimester obtained by random sampling were given PMR and bed rest. The measurement used HARS questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired t-tets. There was a significant difference in anxiety scores before and after PMR (P 0.05). There was a significant difference between PMR and bed rest on anxiety scores (P <0.001) with a greater mean reduction on PMR therapy. PMR can reduce anxiety scores in pregnant women with hypertension, so PMR can be a complementary therapy in obstetric care for them.

The Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mozart Music Therapy on Premenstrual Syndrome Stress Scores

The incidence of premenstrual syndrome is high. Premenstrual syndrome sufferers feel disturbed with the symptoms. One of these symptoms is stress. Stress can reduced by progressive muscle relaxation and Mozart's music therapy. The purpose of study was to determine the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation and Mozart's Music therapy on the stress of premenstrual syndrome.This study used quasy experiment with nonquivalent control group design. The population was 89 midwifery students Health Polytechnic Semarang. The sample was 50 people divided into two groups with purposive sampling technique. The results showed there was an effect of progressive muscle relaxation on premenstrual syndrome stress score (p-value : 0.001 ) with the average score decrease 5.32. It also showed that there was an effect of Mozart's Music therapy on premenstrual syndrome stress scores (p-value : 0.001 ) with the average score decrease 2.8. Different test between two groups was found that there were differences in effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation and Mozart's music therapy on premenstrual syndrome stress scores (p-value : 0.008). Progressive muscle relaxation is more significant reducing premenstrual syndrome stress score.The research place suggested to apply progressive muscle relaxation and Mozart music therapy to students who experience stress in premenstrual syndrome

Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Classical Music Therapy To Reduce Stress Of End Students

Prolonged and unresolved stress conditions can affect the hemeostasis of the human body system which will cause physical and psychological disorders. This study aims to determine the differences in the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation and classical music therapy to reduce stress in the final year students at the Polytechnic Ministry of Health Bengkulu in 2020. The study used a Quasi Experiment design with a two-group pretest-posttest design conducted at the Polytechnic of the Ministry of Health Bengkulu. The sampling technique uses non-probability sampling with the type of purposive sampling with a total sample of final year students as many as 60 people divided into 2 intervention groups. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis, bivariate using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank and Mann Whitney test. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test results show that there is an effect of progressive muscle relaxation on stress reduction (p-value = 0,000), there is an effect of classical music therapy on stress reduction (p-value = 0,000). Mann Whitney test results p-value 0.004 &lt;0.05 which means there is a significant difference in effectiveness between progressive muscle relaxation interventions with classical music therapy interventions in reducing stress, where progressive muscle relaxation interventions are more effective. The results of this study are expected to be a source of information and solutions that can help final year students reduce stress levels by using progressive muscle relaxation methods that can be done anywhere and anytime. So it easily controls the stressor that causes stress levels for students.

Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy (PMRT) on Sleep Quality among Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) Patients

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a progressive deterioration of liver functions for more than six months, whichincludes synthesis of clotting factors, other proteins, detoxification of harmful products of metabolism andexcretion of bile. The chronic liver disease represents a continuous and progressive process of hepaticfibrosis, liver tissue architectural distortion, and regeneration nodule formation. While fibrosis is usuallyirreversible, but it can be reversible in the initial stage of development. The transition time point of reversiblefibrosis to irreversible fibrosis is still not completely understood.1 Sleep disturbances, particularly daytimesleepiness and insomnia, are common problems reported by patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. Poorsleep negatively impacts patients’ quality of life and cognitive functions and increases mortality. Althoughsleep disturbances can be an early sign of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), many patients without HE stillcomplain of poor quality sleep.2 Progressive muscle relaxation is based upon the simple practice of tensing, ortightening, one muscle group at a time followed by a relaxation phase with release of the tension and improvessleep quality among patients with CLD.

Investigation of the relationship between the diaphragm muscle relaxation therapy, voice emission and postural stability in amateur and professional singers of Academy of Music – preliminary study

The present study aims at presenting the impact of manual diaphragm relaxation therapy on the voice emission tested in an anechoic chamber and changes in the body posture during singing using the Zebris posturographic and pedobarographic platform. A pilot study on three cases has been conducted (patient 1 – male aged 21, student of the 2nd year of Academy of Music in Krakow, patient 2 – male aged 34, with more than 25 years of choral singing and advanced musical experience, patient 3 – female 24, with around 10 years of choral singing experience and primary musical school graduation). An original survey questionnaire was used, enabling determination the problematics associated with the profession of singer. A posturographic platform (Zebris) was used that revealed deviations during the scenic movement (by performing an appropriately developed repertoire). Subsequently, a voice emission examination was carried out in an anechoic chamber of the Department of Mechanics and Vibroacoustics, AGH University of Science and Technology. Directly after the examination, the examined individual was subject to a manual therapy lasting several minutes. The applied fascial techniques for diaphragm consisted in the implementation of a prolonged stretching of the myofascial complex with the use of low load. After the therapy, testing with the use of the aforementioned methods was repeated. The present study refers to the impact of the diaphragm function on voice emission parameters. In the pilot study for patient 1 and 2, 15 voice emission parameters improved. The analysis of the above results showed the variability before and after the diaphragm relaxation therapy in parameters such as Fo, Jitt and Shim. In the examined case of patient 1 and 2, the value of the parameter Jitt decreased by almost half, while Shim decreased by about 40 % after the therapy. However, such changes were not observed for patient 3. It may be influenced by many factors, such as stress or worse disposition on the day of the examination. The presented preliminary study expands the knowledge on the function of the diaphragm and the awareness of the function of ventilatory muscles during singing, which may result in enhanced efficiency of working with voice. In the future it is planned the study on bigger group students of Academy of Music in Krakow with the control group.