Relaxation training as an adjunctive treatment for asthma

Abstract

The present study investigated the role of relaxation therapy as an adjunctive treatment for chronic asthma. More specifically, the study measured the effects of relaxation therapy (i.e. a combination of progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and modified autogenic training) on asthma symptomatology. It was hypothesized that subjects participating in the relaxation procedure would have a clinically significant 20 percent increase in peak expiratory flow rate following relaxation training. Furthermore, individuals with higher levels of anxiety as measured by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory would show greater improvement in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) following relaxation training.;Fifty-three out of 64 randomized subjects completed a six week protocol; 25 subjects in a 20 minute relaxation procedure and 28 subjects in a 20 minute control condition. Control subjects were asked to remain inactive and sit relatively quiet in a doctor's office or clinic waiting room instead of receiving the experimental treatment. Control subjects were told they would have the option to learn "specific relaxation techniques" after completing the six week protocol of sitting quietly and "relaxing on their own." Peak expiratory flow rates were measured before and after each 20 minute session for both experimental and control subjects. Demographic, clinical and psychological data were obtained through a series of questionnaires and standardized measures. Experimental subjects were also expected to practice the relaxation exercises at home.;The results revealed that 50 percent of the experimental subjects achieved the predetermined level of clinical improvement (defined as 20 percent or greater improvement in PEFR) compared to 14 percent of the controls. The difference was statistically significant (MHX{dollar}\sp2{dollar} = 7.59 p = 0.006). The results also revealed, that for subjects with high baseline state anxiety, 73 percent of the experimentals versus six percent of the control subjects with high baseline state anxiety reached a 20 percent increase in PEFR (MHX{dollar}\sp2{dollar} = 12.4 p 0.000). Similarly, for subjects with high baseline state anxiety, 58 percent of the experimentals and none of the control subjects with high baseline trait anxiety had a 20 percent increase in PEFR (MHX{dollar}\sp2{dollar} = 10.7 p =.0005). These results suggest that subjects with high state and/or high trait anxiety are more likely to benefit from relaxation therapy than control subjects.