Practice Of Relaxation Techniques Research Articles

The influence of antenatal relaxation classes on perinatal psychological wellbeing and childbirth experiences: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Background There is growing evidence that antenatal education incorporating relaxation practices can positively influence perinatal psychological wellbeing. However, a paucity of qualitative research is evident. Gaining insight into how and why such education may influence childbearing women, can inform the design of effective educational interventions. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of women and their partners on how and why a single Antenatal Relaxation Class (ARC) might influence perinatal psychological wellbeing and childbirth experiences. Method In this descriptive qualitative study, 17 women and 9 partners participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study was carried out in a Scottish NHS Health Board where ARC was provided to expectant parents. Findings Two themes were generated, namely: ‘the turning point’, and ‘recognition of an inner resource’. Participants perceived ARC as ‘the turning point’ when they became more confident, equipped, and less fearful and anxious towards childbirth. ‘Understanding of the psychophysiological processes of childbirth’, ‘positive stories’, and ‘practice of relaxation techniques’ were reported as the main reasons for these positive changes. Participants explained ARC had enabled them to access a deep sense of calmness as ‘an inner resource’ and motivated the use of relaxation techniques as a self-care behaviour throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Conclusion A single antenatal relaxation class has the potential to enhance perinatal psychological wellbeing and childbirth experiences. This study provides valuable insights for maternity services seeking to develop effective health-promoting antenatal education.

Burnout prevention in healthcare professionals during COVID-19.

Burnout syndrome represents the pathological outcome of a stressful process that mainly affects the "helping professions". During the COVID-19 pandemic, pressure on healthcare systems has led to an increase in psychological distress among healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to verify whether the practice of relaxation techniques in healthcare workers can improve emotional balance and stem burnout. A small sample of 40 female rehabilitation therapists were divided into two groups (20 experimental group subjects and 20 control group subjects). The Maslach Burnout Inventory was administered to both groups, after informed consent, to highlight the correlation between working hours exceeding 30 hours per week and burnout, by subjecting the experimental group to mindfulness sessions between T0 and T1. The data analysis highlighted a decrease in burnout in the experimental group after the mindfulness sessions. The findings suggest that these relaxation techniques can be effective in stemming burnout and promoting psychological well-being. It is therefore possible to hypothesize that such increased and prolonged activities could show a more evident and statistically significant improvement.

The effect of relaxation techniques on hypertension secondary to menopause

ContextHypertension after menopause sets women up for an increased risk of negative cardiovascular outcomes. A variety of relaxation techniques exist, which aim to relieve stress and reduce blood pressure. Several studies have been conducted to demonstrate the role of several relaxation techniques in lowering the blood pressure in hypertensive patients.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of relaxation techniques on postmenopausal hypertension.Participants and methodsForty postmenopausal hypertensive women were selected randomly from the outpatient clinic at El Agouza Hospital. They were divided randomly into two groups (A, B): group A was treated with antihypertensive drugs (captopril 25 mg twice daily) and relaxation technique sessions (each session 20 min, three times per week for 3 months), whereas group B was treated with antihypertensive drugs (captopril 25 mg twice daily) only. Blood pressure was evaluated before and after performing the program for both groups. Variables were compared using the unpaired t-test, whereas pairwise comparison (pretreatment vs. post-treatment) within the same group was performed using paired t-test.ResultsGroup A, which was treated with antihypertensive drugs and relaxation techniques, showed a statistically highly significant difference (P<0.01) in both diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure compared with group B, as the mean difference was 12.5 and 3.5, respectively, in the diastolic blood pressure of groups A and B and 15.25 and 6.75 in the systolic blood pressure in groups A and B before and after performing the program, respectively.ConclusionThe practice of relaxation techniques was a very effective method in reducing blood pressure in postmenopausal women.

The Effects of Short-Term Relaxation Therapy on Indices of Heart Rate Variability and Blood Pressure in Young Adults

Assessment of short-term practice of relaxation therapy on autonomic and cardiovascular functions in first-year medical students. Case-control, interventional study. Medical college laboratory. Sixty-seven medical students, divided into two groups: study group (n = 35) and control group (n = 32). Study group subjects practiced relaxation therapy (shavasana with a soothing background music) daily 1 hour for 6 weeks. Control group did not practice relaxation techniques. Cardiovascular parameters and spectral indices of heart rate variability (HRV) were recorded before and after the 6-week practice of relaxation therapy. The data between the groups and the data before and after practice of relaxation techniques were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Student t-test. In the study group, prediction of low-frequency to high-frequency ratio (LF-HF) of HRV, the marker of sympathovagal balance, to blood pressure (BP) status was assessed by logistic regression. In the study group, there was significant reduction in heart rate (p = .0001), systolic (p = .0010) and diastolic (p = .0021) pressure, and rate pressure product (p < .0001), and improvement in HRV indices, following 6 weeks of relaxation therapy. As determined by regression model, prediction of LF-HF to BP status was more significant (odds ratio, 2.7; p = .009) after practice of relaxation therapy. There was no significant alteration in these parameters in control subjects. Short-term practice of relaxation therapy can improve autonomic balance and promote cardiovascular health of medical students. Sympathovagal balance is directly linked to BP status in these individuals.

Efficacy of Relaxation Technique in Normalizing Altered Sleep Architecture in Stressed Information Technology Professionals of Bangalore City

Study objective: The urban life style with rat racing, and high work pressure at working place are stressors for IT individuals, taking toll on sleep. They can counteract negative effect of stress by evoking relaxation response which is the state of deep rest. Hence, the study is undertaken to investigate efficacy of relaxation technique in normalizing altered sleep architecture in stressed IT individuals Study design ,Participants & Intervention: The study involved 44 IT Professionals of Bangalore city in the age group of 25-40 years and having stress scores more than 40 and considered stressful as per State trait anxiety inventory.They were subjected to Polysomonography recording in the sleep lab at Victoria Hospital, Bangalore. The subjects underwent training&Practice of relaxation technique for 48 days&subjected to final recording of Polysomonography. Manual scoring of PSG recordings were done as per Kale' Manual, were compiled&statistically analyzed. Results and Conclusion: Sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, stage 1% were prolonged and sleep efficiency reduced when compared with normative data of American Society of Sleep Medicine for that Age group in recordings obtained before training. Significant improvement was seen in the above said parameters after training and practice of Relaxation technique for 48 days, Stress by increasing activity in locus ceruleus, norepinephrine projections and also by increasing levels of epinephrine and cortisol alter parameters on PSG. Relaxation technique by calming stress response systems improves quality of sleep.