Investigation of Different Relaxation Techniques in Eliciting a Relaxation Response

University College London (UCL)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Stress, Psychological

Treatments: Other: Control/Silence; Other: Relaxation Lighting; Other: Music and Relaxation Light; Other: Meditation and Relaxation Light; Other: Music Listening; Other: Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03592147

12521/001

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 17 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Women of reproductive age (18-45 years)
• Fluent in English

Exclusion criteria

• Any condition that may affect blood pressure, heart rate or energy expenditure i.e hypertension, hyperthyroidism, heart failure
• Smokers
• Recent surgeries or injuries

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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17 participants in 1 patient group

Relaxation

Other group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Other: Music Listening

Other: Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape

Other: Meditation and Relaxation Light

Other: Music and Relaxation Light

Other: Relaxation Lighting

Other: Control/Silence