Relaxation Sessions Research Articles

Restorative experiences across seasons? Effects of outdoor walking and relaxation exercise during lunch breaks in summer and winter

This study aimed to explore whether a walk outdoors during a lunch break would promote restorative experiences for a sample of office workers (N = 52), compared to following instructions from an online video of progressive muscle relaxation. Furthermore, the study aimed to compare the impact of a walk during winter to a walk in a summer landscape. Compared to baseline measures, walking in winter and summer were both associated with significantly increased subjective vitality and psychological detachment from work, but there were no significant differences in these specific wellbeing indicators between winter and summer conditions. The indoor muscle relaxation exercise had no effect on psychological detachment from work, but participants who had the relaxation session during summer reported a significant increase in subjective vitality. Active outdoor restoration seems to have a beneficial impact on mental wellbeing, while indoor muscle relaxation may also have some benefits.

Virtual reality as a tool to promote wellbeing in the workplace.

BackgroundNHS staff are disproportionately impacted by workplace stress, threatening not only quality of service delivery, but the sustainability, of this vital healthcare system. There is an urgent need for accessible and cost-effective interventions that promote the wellbeing of this integral workforce.AimThe aim of this study was to explore the potential propensity of a short virtual reality (VR) nature experience, delivered during the workday, to induce positive mood states NHS clinicians.MethodNHS clinicians working in a fast-paced trauma service were offered the opportunity to take part in a short virtual reality (VR) relaxation session, during their working day, in which they were able to explore the “Green Meadows” experience available within the Nature Treks application. An indication of physiological arousal (heart rate) was obtained, and subjective measures of emotional state were employed to assess the effect of the intervention on participants’ mood. Further, feedback was gathered to provide an initial indication of the acceptability of the experience.ResultsAnalysis of data from 39 clinicians revealed that, following the VR experience, participants reported significantly increased feelings of happiness (p < 0.001) and relaxation (p < 0.001), and significantly decreased feelings of sadness (p = 0.003), anger (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001). No significant differences in reported levels of surprise (p = 0.603) or vigour (p = 0.566) were found. Further, the experience was associated with a significant reduction in heart-rate (p = 0.025), and had high acceptability ratings, despite participants’ varied experience with computers and VR technology.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that the administration of VR for the promotion of NHS staff wellbeing in the workplace is a potentially fruitful avenue of exploration that warrants further investigation.

Telecounseling and guided relaxation for addressing patient, student, and health-care worker distress: An experience

Introduction: In the face of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the leadership of the institute felt a need for mental health interventions among patients admitted in COVID-19 isolation, university students, and health-care workers engaged in COVID-19 care. This article aims to share our experience in providing these services. Methodology: COVID-19 inpatients were telephonically counseled. Counseling protocol was based on national guidelines. Students of the university were assessed for emotional problems using a symptom checklist and Kessler 10-item Distress Scale. Subsequently, the faculty assigned as mentors were trained in providing telephonic psychological first aid (PFA) to the students. Psychosocial help was offered to health-care workers through daily guided relaxation sessions. Results: Forty-two of 69 COVID-19 inpatients were telephonically contacted. New-onset mental health problems were found in 40%. Half of the COVID-19 confirmed patients and half of the females had a higher prevalence of mental health problems. On the symptom checklist, 330 students were responded. Worry about the future, contagion, and boredom were reported by the majority of students. On the Kessler 10-item Distress Scale, 272 students were responded. Thirty-seven percent had likely mental disorders (22 males and 79 females). Twenty-two students contacted psychiatrists through mentors and were provided teleconsultation. Eighty health-care workers attended guided relaxation sessions. Twenty-nine responded on the feedback form. Most respondents felt guided relaxation was useful in reducing stress, with strongly agree (n = 12) and agree (n = 14) responses. Conclusions: Emotional problems were significantly prevalent among students and COVID-19 patients. Training faculty in PFA can help address students in distress. Guided relaxation may help frontline workers manage stress.

Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Relaxation Techniques on Psychological, Physiological, and Biochemical Stress Indicators.

Various relaxation techniques could benefit from merging with virtual reality (VR) technologies, as these technologies are easily applicable, involving, and user-friendly. To date, it is unclear which relaxation technique using biofeedback combined with VR technology is the most effective. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of brief VR-based biofeedback-assisted relaxation techniques including electroencephalographic biofeedback, mindfulness-based biofeedback, galvanic skin response biofeedback, and respiratory biofeedback. Forty-three healthy volunteers (age 34.7 ± 7.2 years), comprising 28 (65%) women and 15 (35%) men, were enrolled in the study. All the participants were exposed to four distinct relaxation sessions according to a computer-generated random sequence. The efficacy of relaxation methods was evaluated by examining psychological, physiological, and biochemical stress indicators. All VR-based relaxation techniques reduced salivary steroid hormone (i.e., cortisol, cortisone, and total glucocorticoid) levels and increased galvanic skin response values. Similarly, all interventions led to a significantly reduced subjectively perceived psychological strain level. Three out of the four interventions (i.e., electroencephalographic, respiratory, and galvanic skin response-based biofeedback relaxation sessions) resulted in a decreased self-reported fatigue level. We suggest that newly developed VR-based relaxations techniques are potential tools for stress reduction and might be particularly suitable for individuals who are not capable of adhering to a strict and time-consuming stress management intervention schedule.

The Dynamic of Extracellular Vesicles in Patients With Subacute Stroke: Results of the "Biomarkers and Perfusion-Training-Induced Changes After Stroke" (BAPTISe) Study.

Objective: Extracellular vesicles (EV) are sub-1 μm bilayer lipid coated particles and have been shown play a role in long-term cardiovascular outcome after ischemic stroke. However, the dynamic change of EV after stroke and their implications for functional outcome have not yet been elucidated.Methods: Serial blood samples from 110 subacute ischemic stroke patients enrolled in the prospective BAPTISe study were analyzed. All patients participated in the PHYS-STROKE trial and received 4-week aerobic training or relaxation sessions. Levels of endothelial-derived (EnV: Annexin V+, CD45–, CD41–, CD31+/CD144+/CD146+), leukocyte-derived (LV: Annexin V+, CD45+, CD41–), monocytic-derived (MoV: Annexin V+, CD41–, CD14+), neuronal-derived (NV: Annexin V+, CD41–, CD45–, CD31–, CD144–, CD146–, CD56+/CD171+/CD271+), and platelet-derived (PV: Annexin V+, CD41+) EV were assessed via fluorescence-activated cell sorting before and after the trial intervention. The levels of EV at baseline were dichotomized at the 75th percentile, with the EV levels at baseline above the 75th percentile classified as “high” otherwise as “low.” The dynamic of EV was classified based on the difference between baseline and post intervention, defining increases above the 75th percentile as “high increase” otherwise as “low increase.” Associations of baseline levels and change in EV concentrations with Barthel Index (BI) and cardiovascular events in the first 6 months post-stroke were analyzed using mixed model regression analyses and cox regression.Results: Both before and after intervention PV formed the largest population of vesicles followed by NV and EnV. In mixed-model regression analyses, low NV [−8.57 (95% CI −15.53 to −1.57)] and low PV [−6.97 (95% CI −13.92 to −0.01)] at baseline were associated with lower BI in the first 6 months post-stroke. Patients with low increase in NV [8.69 (95% CI 2.08–15.34)] and LV [6.82 (95% CI 0.25–13.4)] were associated with reduced BI in the first 6 months post-stroke. Neither baseline vesicles nor their dynamic were associated with recurrent cardiovascular events.Conclusion: This is the first report analyzing the concentration and the dynamic of EV regarding associations with functional outcome in patients with subacute stroke. Lower levels of PV and NV at baseline were associated with a worse functional outcome in the first 6 months post-stroke. Furthermore, an increase in NV and LV over time was associated with worse BI in the first 6 months post-stroke. Further investigation of the relationship between EV and their dynamic with functional outcome post-stroke are warranted.Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT01954797.

Effect of Virtual Reality on Stress Reduction and Change of Physiological Parameters Including Heart Rate Variability in People With High Stress: An Open Randomized Crossover Trial.

Introduction: Although, attempts to apply virtual reality (VR) in mental healthcare are rapidly increasing, it is still unclear whether VR relaxation can reduce stress more than conventional biofeedback.Methods: Participants consisted of 83 healthy adult volunteers with high stress, which was defined as a score of 20 or more on the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). This study used an open, randomized, crossover design with baseline, stress, and relaxation phases. During the stress phase, participants experienced an intentionally generated shaking VR and serial-7 subtraction. For the relaxation phase, participants underwent a randomly assigned relaxation session on day 1 among VR relaxation and biofeedack, and the other type of relaxation session was applied on day 2. We compared the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-X1 (STAI-X1), STAI-X2, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and physiological parameters including heart rate variability (HRV) indexes in the stress and relaxation phases.Results: A total of 74 participants were included in the analyses. The median age of participants was 39 years, STAI-X1 was 47.27 (SD = 9.92), and NRS was 55.51 (SD = 24.48) at baseline. VR and biofeedback significantly decreased STAI-X1 and NRS from the stress phase to the relaxation phase, while the difference of effect between VR and biofeedback was not significant. However, there was a significant difference in electromyography, LF/HF ratio, LF total, and NN50 between VR relaxation and biofeedback.Conclusion: VR relaxation was effective in reducing subjectively reported stress in individuals with high stress.

Relaxation Response in Stressed Volunteers: Psychometric Tests and Neurotrophin Changes in Biological Fluids

Background: To evaluate the beneficial effects of relaxation response (RR) training in adult stressed subjects by evaluating the psychometric response recorded at relaxation session. Cortisol as well as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediators were quantified in both saliva and tears, and their levels were related to each other and to the psychometric response.Methods: Stressed subjects (n = 23; 10M/13F; age range 21–53 years old) were voluntarily enrolled in the study. RR training sessions were carried out for 2 months, 1 day per week, at the same time (3–5 p.m.). Two different psychological questionnaires, the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Beck Depression Inventory - Short Form (BDI-SF) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) tests, were administered before each session. Saliva and tears were sampled for cortisol (EIA), NGF (ELISA), and BDNF (ELISA) quantifications. Questionnaires' data were analyzed and compared to biochemical ones.Results: All subjects reported beneficial effects from training. RR significantly reduced the psychological stress indexes (p = 0.039 for PSS-10 and p = 0.001 for BDI-SF). Specifically, RR training lowered the perception of Perceived Helplessness (items 1, 3, 10; p < 0.05) in PSS-10 and increased the Perceived Self-Efficacy (p < 0.05). OSDI score was in the normal range (0–25). Biochemically, a decrease in cortisol, a trend to a decrease in NGF, and an increase in BDNF levels were observed in saliva samples after RR treatment. Furthermore, a trend to a decrease in NGF and an increase in BDNF were quantified in tear samples. A correlation between PSS-10 total score and saliva NGF variation (%) as well as between BDI-SF total score and BDNF tear levels were also observed.Conclusion: RR training appeared useful to lowering psychological, mental, and physical stress, as supported by both psychological total and single scores. The finding on biochemical levels of BDNF in saliva and tears are sustained by previous studies while those of NGF require further investigation. Overall, these data on a small population highlight the potential use of RR training and potential neurotrophic changes in biological fluids, in stressed volunteers.

When the body matches the picture: The influence of physiological arousal on subjective familiarity of novel stimuli.

Numerous studies show that bodily states shape affect and cognition. Here, we investigated whether incidental physiological arousal impacted perceived familiarity for novel images depicting real-world scenes. Participants provided familiarity ratings for a series of high- and low-arousal emotional images, once after a cycling session (to increase heart rate) and once after a relaxation session (to reduce heart rate). We observed a novel match-effect between internal (physiological) and external (stimulus) arousal sources, where participants rated highly arousing images as more familiar when bodily arousal was also high. Interestingly, the match-effect was greater in participants that scored low on self-report measures of interoception, suggesting that these individuals are less able to correctly perceive bodily changes, and thus are more likely to confuse their physiological arousal with an external source. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of interactions between the mind, body, and stimulus, especially when it comes to subjective judgments of familiarity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Cardiovascular risk factor control: is it possible with a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program?

Funding AcknowledgementsType of funding sources: None.IntroductionCardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) control, needing different strategies, through patient education, lifestyle changes and therapeutic optimization is a central core of cardiac rehabilitation. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate effectiveness of home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR-HB) programs in controlling CVRF. PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of a CR-HB program in controlling cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsProspective cohort study including patients who were previously participating in a centre-based CR program and accepted to participate in a CR-HB program due to forced closure of the centre-based CR program for COVID-19 pandemic. The CR-HB consisted of a multidisciplinary digital CR program, including patient regular assessment, exercise, educational, and psychological and relaxation sessions. A structured online educational program for patients and family members/caregivers was provided including educational videos, and powerpoints and webinars. A real time Webinar regarding "nutritional myths and facts" was organized with the duration of 90 minutes as a substitution of the regular face-to-face regular workshop provided at our centre-based CR program. Also, self-control of blood pressure and heart rate and of glycemia in diabetics were promoted, as well as smoking cessation.To assess the impact of the CR-HB on risk factors control, all the patients were submitted to a clinical and analytical evaluation before and after the end of this at distance program. Results116 cardiovascular disease patients (62.6 ± 8.9 years, 95 males) who were attending a face-to-face CR program were included in a CR-HB program. Almost 90% (n = 103) of the participants had coronary artery disease. Regarding risk factors, obesity was the most prevalent risk factor (74.7 %) followed by hypertension (59.6%), family history (41.8%), dyslipidaemia (37.9%), diabetes (18.1%), and smoking (12.9%). Regarding the blood pressure control, 80% of the patients stated that almost daily they measured blood pressure at home; baseline systolic pressure decreased from 117 ± 13 to 113 ±12mmHg, p = 0.007, while there was no significant change in diastolic pressure. The majority (76%) of diabetic patients said they controlled blood glucose; HbA1c decreased from 6.1 ± 1.1 to 5.9 ± 0.9mg/dL (p = 0.047).Considering the lipid profile, LDL decreased (from 75 ± 30 to 65 ± 26mg/dL, p = 0.012). The Nt-proBNP also decreased (818 ± 1332 vs 414pg/ml ± 591, p = 0.042). There were no other statistically significant differences concerning risk factors modification. ConclusionsOur study showed that a Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation program can improve or maintain cardiovascular risk factors control, which has important prognostic implications and is frequently a difficult task to achieve.

Apport des techniques de relaxation respiratoire au cours des injections intravitréennes : étude pilote

To study the effects of breathing techniques for anxiety, perceived pain, and patient satisfaction while receiving intravitreal injections. This prospective, randomized clinical study included patients admitted for intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. They were randomized into two groups: a relaxation group who listened to a prerecorded relaxation breathing session before and during the injection, and a control group who received the injection without a relaxation session. Statistical analysis was then performed to assess the factors influencing satisfaction, anxiety, and perceived pain. We included one-hundred four patients in total: 52 in the relaxation group versus 52 in the control group. The relaxation group had a greater decrease in anxiety than the control group (P=0.03) but similar levels of pain (P=0.86). In total, 80.76% of patients in the relaxation group expressed the wish to have a relaxation session during their next injection. Multivariate analysis showed that the patient's usual level of stress as well as the relaxation session affected the level of anxiety experienced before the injection. Relaxation techniques before and during intravitreal injections decrease anxiety in patients without decreasing pain during IVT. Prerecorded relaxation breathing sessions are non-invasive, inexpensive, easy to set up, and reduce anxiety during intravitreal injections on an outpatient basis.

Physical Fitness Training in Patients with Subacute Stroke (PHYS-STROKE): Safety analyses of a randomized clinical trial.

Background and aimTo report the six-month safety analyses among patients enrolled in the “Physical Fitness Training in Subacute Stroke—PHYS-STROKE” trial and identify underlying risk factors associated with serious adverse events.MethodsWe performed a pre-specified safety analysis of a multicenter, randomized controlled, endpoint-blinded trial comprising 200 patients with moderate to severe subacute stroke (days 5–45 after stroke) that were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either aerobic, bodyweight supported, treadmill-based training (n = 105), or relaxation sessions (n = 95, control group). Each intervention session lasted for 25 min, five times weekly for four weeks, in addition to standard rehabilitation therapy. Serious adverse events defined as cerebro- and cardiovascular events, readmission to hospital, and death were assessed during six months of follow-up. Incident rate ratios (IRR) were calculated, and Poisson regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for serious adverse events and to test the association with aerobic training.ResultsSix months after stroke, 50 serious adverse events occurred in the trial with a higher incidence rate (per 100 patient-months) in the training group compared to the relaxation group (6.31 vs. 3.22; IRR 1.70, 95% CI 0.96 to 3.12). The association of aerobic training with serious adverse events incidence rates were modified by diabetes mellitus (IRR for interaction: 7.10, 95% CI 1.56 to 51.24) and by atrial fibrillation (IRR for interaction: 4.37, 95% CI 0.97 to 31.81).ConclusionsSafety analysis of the PHYS-STROKE trial found a higher rate of serious adverse events in patients randomized to aerobic training compared to control within six months after stroke. Exploratory analyses found an association between serious adverse events occurrence in the aerobic training group with pre-existing diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation which should be further investigated in future trials.Data access statementThe raw data and analyses scripts are provided by the authors on a secure online repository for reproduction of reported findings.

Age-related differences in the use of relaxation techniques during intensive professional training

IntroductionIntensive professional training is widely used in modern organizations, as it helps employees adapt to dynamic work and technology changes (Noe, 2010; Patrick, 2000). Relaxation techniques may reduce the negative effects of intense learning processes (i.e. fatigue, anxiety and stress). They can also enhance the productivity of the training itself by helping to achieve optimal states for the completion of learning goals.ObjectivesOur study concerns differences in mastering relaxation techniques by employees of younger and middle-age groups during intensive professional training.MethodsSample - 62 employees, participants of communication training. The 15-min session of progressive relaxation combined with autogenic formulae was conducted after 5 hours of intensive training. Measures: standard psychological and physiological functional state tests (Leonova &amp; Kapitsa, 2003); an information perception task.ResultsThe efficiency of the relaxation techniques varied between different age groups: younger participants (aged 20-30) were more successful in managing both tasks – learning new relaxation skills and achieving deeper rest (including more apparent positive physiological effects). They were also more prepared for completing the information perception task (they made less mistakes). Older participants (aged 30-50) experienced more difficulties with the new relaxation skills and used relaxation primarily to restore their psychophysiological resources, rather than to prepare for the upcoming training task.ConclusionsThe results showed that relaxation techniques provide a system optimization effect on the participants of intensive training programs, though participants’ individual differences (ie age, length of service) should be taken into account when planning the outcomes of such interventions.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Stress Management during the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycle May Slow Down First Embryo Cleavage and Accelerate Embryo Compaction: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: A firm consensus on the effectiveness of psychological interventions during infertility treatment has not been reached yet in terms of mental health and pregnancy rates. Moreover, the influence of these interventions on embryo cleavage kinetics has not been investigated. Objective: The aim of this work was to study whether stress management in couples undergoing an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle influences stress levels, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in granulosa cells, and cleavage-stage embryos. Methods: Infertile couples were randomized into a treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 30) and stress management program (SMP) group (n = 29) at the beginning of an ICSI cycle. Couples in the SMP group attended education and relaxation sessions at each visit to the clinic for folliculometry. The perceived stress scale (PSS) was used to assess stress levels at the beginning and end of the cycle. Moreover, mtDNA levels of granulosa cells and embryo morphokinetics were evaluated. Results: Post-intervention, women in the SMP group had significantly lower PSS scores than their initial PSS (p < 0.001; effect size, ES = 0.5) and than the final PSS of the TAU group (p = 0.02; ES = 0.09). Additionally, mtDNA levels were significantly lower in luteal granulosa cells of the SMP group than the TAU group (p = 0.02). An earlier time of pronuclei appearance (p = 0.03) and time to 2 cells (p = 0.015) and a faster time to full compaction (p = 0.045) were detected in the embryos of the SMP group compared with the TAU group. Conclusion(s): The implemented program may reduce stress levels, retard first embryo cleavage, and accelerate embryo compaction. Further studies with an active control group are needed to confirm these results.

Virtual Reality as a Portable Alternative to Chromotherapy Rooms for Stress Relief: A Preliminary Study.

Chromotherapy rooms are comfortable spaces, used in places like special needs schools, where stimuli are carefully selected to cope with stress. However, these rooms are expensive and require a space that cannot be reutilized. In this article, we propose the use of virtual reality (VR) as an inexpensive and portable alternative to chromotherapy rooms for stress relief. We recreated a chromotherapy room stress relief program using a commercial head mounted display (HD). We assessed the stress level of two groups (test and control) through an EEG biomarker, the relative gamma, while they experienced a relaxation session. First, participants were stressed using the Montreal imaging stress task (MIST). Then, for relaxing, the control group utilized a chromotherapy room while the test group used virtual reality. We performed a hypothesis test to compare the self- perceived stress level at different stages of the experiment and it yielded no significant differences in reducing stress for both groups, during relaxing (p-value: 0.8379, α = 0.05) or any other block. Furthermore, according to participant surveys, the use of virtual reality was deemed immersive, comfortable and pleasant (3.9 out of 5). Our preliminary results validate our approach as an inexpensive and portable alternative to chromotherapy rooms for stress relief.

Using hypnoanalysis and guided imagery to identify and manage emotional aspects of multiple sclerosis

BackgroundTo date, no studies have used hypnosis to examine and manage the potential emotional causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the scientific field; therefore, we decided to compare the effectiveness of hypnoanalysis and guided imagery for determining and manage these emotional causes. MethodsFifteen participants with severe MS were included and assigned into 2 groups: hypnoanalysis and guided imagery. In the hypnoanalysis group, the participants underwent 10 hypnotic sessions to understand events related to the cause of the disease, which were restructured (the events were modified by adding the psychological resources that each involved person needed); in addition, other techniques were used to investigate the causes and solutions according to the participants’ unconscious. The guided imagery group received 10 group sessions of body relaxation and guided imagery, which were recorded for practice at home. Outcome measures, namely, disability (the Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS), quality of life (QoL, measured with the SF-36) and number of relapses, were evaluated 4 months previous the intervention, at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months later. ResultsHypnoanalysis revealed that stressful events and psychoemotional maladaptive patterns acted as causal, detonating, or aggravating factors of disease, and psychoemotional changes were the most frequent and varied solutions. No changes were observed in disability between the two groups. The guided imagery group showed an improvement in 2 subscales of QoL when compared with the hypnoanalysis group (which disappeared at the follow-up); this difference is probably due to the increased number of sessions and probably due to psychoemotional maladaptive patterns being more frequently mentioned than difficult circumstances in life and/or unsolved past events. However, the techniques used in hypnoanalysis were effective in understanding the potential emotional causes of MS, which showed high intra- and inter-participant consistency. ConclusionsThe daily use of guided imagery overcame the restructuring of negative past events to improve QoL in patients with MS. Trial registrationACTRN12618002024224 (retrospectively registered)

Intervention Outcomes, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Self-Efficacy With DHH Students in Universities.

This article reports the impact of an online spiritual counseling (OSC) program in mitigating anxiety and building self-esteem and academic self-efficacy among deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students in universities. Compared to online relaxation sessions, the OSC was more effective. Male DHH students and those whose parents were highly qualified exhibited less anxiety and higher self-esteem and self-efficacy at pretest (T1). Post-test (T2) male students having better educated parents responded better to the OSC. T2 anxiety was lower and self-esteem and academic self-efficacy was higher for liberal arts students and having stay-at-home parents compared with science and commerce students and whose parents worked outside home. Self-esteem was also positively moderated by better economic class and presence of siblings. Intervention compliance in terms of regular attendance and self-practice mediated the relationship between sociodemographic predictors and outcomes. Results support the biopsychosocial model and encourage the implementation of the OSC with DHH university students.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Program Vs. Relaxation in the Treatment of Burnout in Brazilian Primary Care Providers: a Mixed-Methods Pragmatic Controlled Study

Mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) have been tested as promising alternatives for managing stress in Primary health care (PHC) providers. The study compared the feasibility and efficacy of an MBP on burnout symptoms in Brazilian PHC providers with a briefer relaxation-based program and with a nonactive control group. A nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted with mixed-methods evaluation on self-reported symptoms of burnout, and positive and negative affection, mindfulness, self-compassion, decentering, and rumination. The MBP arm (MF) (n = 62) consisted of eight mindfulness sessions, the relaxation arm (RE) (n = 35) attended four relaxation sessions, and the control arm (CO) (n = 45) comprised a waitlist group. The reduction in exhaustion was significantly higher in MF compared with CO (d = − 0.58; p = 0.020), and in RE compared with CO (d = − 0.63; p = 0.017). MF was significantly superior to CO for reducing cynicism (d = − 0.48; p = 0.024). There was also significant superiority of MF compared with CO in positive and negative affect, observing, describing, nonreacting, mindfulness, identification, and rumination. MF and RE were significantly superior to CO for reducing criticism and isolation. Finally, MF was significantly superior to RE and CO for improving nonjudging, self-kindness, and decentering. Mindfulness and relaxation may be efficacious in addressing burnout symptoms in PHC providers, probably with synergistic effects and distinct mechanisms of action. Further studies with a randomized design and larger sample sizes should be performed to confirm these preliminary data and to test whether a mix of mindfulness and relaxation techniques would be more effective than either program on its own.

Nurse-led mind-body relaxation intervention in prison: A multiperspective mixed-method evaluation

BackgroundMind-body relaxation techniques are complementary or alternative to medication to manage high stress and anxiety levels in prisons. PurposeTo assess the motivation to attend and perceived benefits of a nurse-led group relaxation intervention in prison, investigate the experience of participants, prison officers, and health professionals, and identify improvements. MethodExploratory study was conducted in a post-trial facility in Switzerland using a multiperspective convergent parallel mixed method drawing from participatory action research principles. FindingsReasons for attendance included back problems, mental tension, physical fitness, relaxation, and sleep problems. Perceived benefits comprised autonomy in self-practice, decreased physical tensions and anxiety, and improvement of sleep and physical fitness. Qualitative findings converged highlighting the importance of body-centering, relaxation as an alternative to medication, negative representations about relaxation sessions (useless, effeminate), and recommendations for improvement, including audio-visual support for self-practice. DiscussionLong-standing mind-body relaxation interventions led by nurses in groups may offer participants a beneficial and operationally feasible complement to stress management in prisons.

The Effectiveness of Autogenic Relaxation on Reducing the Level of Depression among Elderly People Residing in Old Age Homes

Introduction:- Aging is a worldwide issue in our society, elderly people living in old age homes may suffer from sadness, pain, and isolation. Depression is a common condition in the elderly that negatively affects numerous parts of their lives. Autogenic therapy uses visual imagery and body awareness to promote a state of deep relaxation. A detached but alert state of mind called “passive concentration” must be achieved for autogenic therapy exercises to be carried out. DESIGN:- A quantitative approach using pre experimental one group pre test post test design. PARTICIPANTS:- 60 old age people were selected by using a purposive non-probability sampling technique. INTERVENTION:- Autogenic relaxation TOOL:- geriatric depression scale was used to assess the level of depression in old age people RESULT:- The Mean depression level before intervention is 14.23 while after intervention it is reduced to 11.83. It shows statistically significant change in the mean depression level before &amp; after the autogenic relaxation session. CONCLUSION:- The findings of the study indicate that autogenic relaxation is effective in lowering the level of depression among old age people living in old age homes.

Effects of Relaxation Techniques on Acute Postlaminectomy Pain: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

PurposeThis study compared the effects of Benson relaxation with progressive muscle relaxation on pain severity after laminectomy. DesignThree-arm randomized, nonblinded, and parallel group trial. MethodsThe study was conducted with 93 patients who underwent lumbar laminectomy. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups of Benson relaxation + routine care (n = 31), progressive muscle relaxation + routine care (n = 31), and routine care (n = 31). The two relaxation methods were performed at 2 (time 1), 12 (time 2), and 24 (time 3) hours after patients' regaining full consciousness in postoperative wards. Pain severity was assessed using the visual analog scale once before laminectomy, before and also 20 minutes after each relaxation session. In the control group, pain severity was measured at the same times as in the two relaxation groups. FindingsBoth Benson relaxation and progressive muscle relaxation resulted in a significant reduction in pain severity in comparison with the control group at all three measurement times (except at time 1 in the progressive muscle relaxation group). However, no significant differences were found between Benson relaxation and progressive muscle relaxation in any of the three times. ConclusionsThe results suggest that both Benson and progressive muscle relaxation techniques can decrease acute postlaminectomy pain in the immediate postoperative period in adult patients.