Investigation of Different Relaxation Techniques in Eliciting a Relaxation Response
- Conditions
- Stress, Psychological
- Interventions
- Other: Guided Imagery Relaxation TapeOther: Music ListeningOther: Relaxation LightingOther: Meditation and Relaxation LightOther: Music and Relaxation LightOther: Control/Silence
- Registration Number
- NCT03592147
- Lead Sponsor
- University College, London
- Brief Summary
While the stress response, characterised by an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol, has evolved to ensure the survival of the organism in face of danger, chronic stress due to psychological stressors can be harmful. The opposite of the stress response is the "relaxation response". Mind-body techniques such as meditation, guided imagery and music therapy are thought to induce this response. The relaxation response is characterized as a wakeful hypometabolic state, where a decrease in central nervous system arousal is observed. Some studies reported a reduction in stress hormones, and in symptoms of anxiety and depression following the use of mind-body relaxation techniques. Other studies noted a reduction in stress measured using physiological measurements such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Light therapy is another technique that is suggested to induce physiological changes similar to those seen in the relaxation response. Some studies have shown a reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production following exposure to blue light.
These relaxation therapies can be useful for the general population and for vulnerable groups where alternative therapies, such as medication and psychotherapy, are difficult. Limited amount of studies have quantified the decrease in stress in physiological measurements such as heart rate and blood pressure.
The aim of this study is to investigate which relaxation technique among five different interventions (and one control) is the most effective in improving relaxation and reducing stress in adult women of reproductive age (18-45 years). The results of this study will be used to inform the intervention of a study testing the impact of relaxation therapy on breastfeeding outcomes in mothers of late preterm infants.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- Female
- Target Recruitment
- 17
- Women of reproductive age (18-45 years)
- Fluent in English
- Any condition that may affect blood pressure, heart rate or energy expenditure i.e hypertension, hyperthyroidism, heart failure
- Smokers
- Recent surgeries or injuries
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- SINGLE_GROUP
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Relaxation Music Listening This is a within-subject pilot study, where each participant received, in random order, five different relaxation therapies (Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape, Music Listening, Relaxation Lighting, Meditation and Relaxation Light, and Music and Relaxation Light) and one Control/Silence state spanning across 3-6 weeks. Relaxation Meditation and Relaxation Light This is a within-subject pilot study, where each participant received, in random order, five different relaxation therapies (Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape, Music Listening, Relaxation Lighting, Meditation and Relaxation Light, and Music and Relaxation Light) and one Control/Silence state spanning across 3-6 weeks. Relaxation Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape This is a within-subject pilot study, where each participant received, in random order, five different relaxation therapies (Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape, Music Listening, Relaxation Lighting, Meditation and Relaxation Light, and Music and Relaxation Light) and one Control/Silence state spanning across 3-6 weeks. Relaxation Relaxation Lighting This is a within-subject pilot study, where each participant received, in random order, five different relaxation therapies (Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape, Music Listening, Relaxation Lighting, Meditation and Relaxation Light, and Music and Relaxation Light) and one Control/Silence state spanning across 3-6 weeks. Relaxation Music and Relaxation Light This is a within-subject pilot study, where each participant received, in random order, five different relaxation therapies (Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape, Music Listening, Relaxation Lighting, Meditation and Relaxation Light, and Music and Relaxation Light) and one Control/Silence state spanning across 3-6 weeks. Relaxation Control/Silence This is a within-subject pilot study, where each participant received, in random order, five different relaxation therapies (Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape, Music Listening, Relaxation Lighting, Meditation and Relaxation Light, and Music and Relaxation Light) and one Control/Silence state spanning across 3-6 weeks.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Blood Pressure Post-intervention, an average of 10 mins Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) were measured three times using a digital sphygmomanometer.
Perceived Relaxation Post-intervention, an average of 10 mins Perceived relaxation was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), which is a 10 cm horizontal line spanning from the minimum to the maximum of the variable measured. The minimum (left) represents "completely unrelaxed" and the maximum (right) "completely relaxed". The women mark a point on the scale to indicate their feelings of relaxation. The distance between the mark and the minimum point was measured in centimetres (two decimal points).
Heart Rate Post-intervention, an average of 10 mins Heart rate (bpm) was measured three times using a digital sphygmomanometer.
Fingertip Temperature Post-intervention, an average of 10 mins A non-contact digital thermometer was used to measure fingertip temperature as an indication of sympathetic nervous system activation.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Preference At the end of the study, at approximately 3-6 weeks The women were asked to rank the relaxation therapies in order of preference
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
🇬🇧London, United Kingdom