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Hormone Research in Paediatrics 2023Stress is a natural automatic reaction of organisms to challenging or threatening stimuli. Prevalence rates reveal an increasing number of students both in elementary... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Stress is a natural automatic reaction of organisms to challenging or threatening stimuli. Prevalence rates reveal an increasing number of students both in elementary and secondary education suffering from anxiety and other stress-related disorders and illnesses [The Journal of Pediatrics. 2009 Mar;154(3):322-6]. Literature shows a plethora of stress management techniques being used with children and adults to achieve stress reduction and inner peace. This narrative review primarily aimed at summarizing evidence-based relaxation techniques currently used by minors, contrasting them with data from the past and directions for the future. *(Additional content can be found at the bottom page of this review).
SUMMARY
Literature research revealed a plethora of stress management techniques, including breathing practices or exercises, meditation, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, third wave therapies, interpersonal therapies, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, biofeedback training, and mindfulness, that are deemed to be effective to treat stress and a variety of stress-related disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), headaches, abdominal pain, perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain, cancer, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. These evidence-based stress management techniques have been successfully employed in various settings such as schools, waiting rooms, dental offices, or inpatient settings.
KEY MESSAGES
Stress management techniques used by children and adolescents are important to reduce anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms, improve social skills, reduce stress-related physical pain, and achieve academic improvement across settings and diagnoses.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; Adolescent; Anxiety Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Anxiety
PubMed: 36096110
DOI: 10.1159/000526946 -
Neurologia May 2018Non-pharmacological treatments help control tension-type headache; however, evidence about their effectiveness is still limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Non-pharmacological treatments help control tension-type headache; however, evidence about their effectiveness is still limited. This study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy based on cervical spine kinesiotherapy and posture correction exercises compared to a programme of relaxation techniques only (Schultz's Autogenic Training, AT).
METHODS
Tension-type headache is very common among university students. We randomly selected 152 university students with a diagnosis of tension-type headache according to the criteria of the International Headache Society. Eighty-four were women (55.3%) and 68 were men (44.7%). Mean age was 20.42±2.36 years. The study design is a randomised controlled trial of a non-pharmacological intervention with a blinded evaluation of response variables. We compared the results of two independent samples: AT was used in one of the groups while the other group received AT plus cervical spine kinesiotherapy and posture correction training. Patients recorded any changes in the parameters of pain (frequency, intensity, and duration) and drug consumption in a headache diary before treatment, at 4 weeks, and at 3 months.
RESULTS
Both interventions achieved a decrease in all the parameters of pain; however, decreases in frequency and intensity were more significant in the combined treatment group (P<0.01) (d=0.4).
CONCLUSIONS
Such active, non-invasive therapies as AT and cervical spine kinesiotherapy, and especially the combination of both, effectively reduce tension-type headache by preventing and managing the potential psychophysical causes of this disorder. Future research should aim to assess the long-term effects of these interventions.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities; Relaxation Therapy; Tension-Type Headache; Young Adult
PubMed: 27491303
DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2016.06.008 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2023Teaching is recognized as a highly challenging profession. Experience of chronic stress is a risk factor for poor mental and physical well-being, and burnout. There is... (Review)
Review
Teaching is recognized as a highly challenging profession. Experience of chronic stress is a risk factor for poor mental and physical well-being, and burnout. There is limited knowledge regarding optimal interventions to address stress and burnout among teachers. To undertake a scoping review of the literature in the last five years to determine various psychological interventions to address stress and burnout among teachers. The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews was followed. Relevant search terms were used to determine different interventions adopted to reduce teachers' stress and burnout. Articles published between 2018 and 2022 were identified using five bibliographic databases. Relevant articles were extracted, reviewed, collated, and thematically analyzed, and findings s were summarized. Forty studies conducted in Asia, North America, Oceania, Europe, and Africa, met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen kinds of burnout and stress-reduction interventions were identified. The most popularly studied intervention were Mindfulness-Based Interventions alone or in combination with yoga or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), followed by Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). Mindfulness-Based Interventions led to decreased overall Teacher Stress Inventory (TSI) and emotional exhaustion subscale scores. REBT, primarily used with special education teachers, especially in Africa, has also shown positive results. Other interventions reporting positive outcomes include Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR), the Stress Management and Resiliency Training Program (SMART), Cyclic Meditation, Group Sandplay, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Autogenic Training, Sport-Based Physical Activity, Emotional Intelligence Ability Models and Christian Prayer and Prayer-Reflection. Stress and burnout can have a negative impact on teachers and, very often, on the students they teach. Implementing suitable school-based interventions is necessary to improve teachers' stress-coping ability, reduce the likelihood of burnout and improve general well-being. Policymakers, governments, school boards and administrators should prioritize the implementation of school-based awareness and intervention programs.
Topics: Humans; Adaptation, Psychological; Burnout, Professional; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Educational Personnel; Emotions; School Teachers
PubMed: 37174145
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095625 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... May 2020To compare the effects of static stretching with autogenic inhibition and reciprocal inhibition muscle energy techniques on pain, disability and range of motion in... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of static stretching as compared to autogenic inhibition and reciprocal inhibition muscle energy techniques in the management of mechanical neck pain: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of static stretching with autogenic inhibition and reciprocal inhibition muscle energy techniques on pain, disability and range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain.
METHODS
A parallel design randomised controlled trial was conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital and Railway-General Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from April to November, 2017, and comprised of patients aged 18-70 years with neck pain of moderate intensity scoring 4-8 on numeric pain rating scale with limited or painful range of motion. The patients were randomly allocated via lottery method into static stretching group, autogenic inhibition muscle energy technique group and reciprocal inhibition muscle energy technique group. All the subjects received five consecutive treatments sessions. Outcome measurements included numeric pain rating scale score, neck disability index score and goniometry for cervical range of motion. Data was collected at baseline and after first and fifth sessions, and was analysed using SPSS 21.
RESULTS
Of the 78 subjects, there were 26(33.3%) in each of the three groups. Of them 7 were lost to follow-up and the study was completed by 71(91%) subjects. The overall mean age was 41.55±11.89 years (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups at baseline (p>0.05). However, at first and second follow-up, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the groups in terms of immediate and short-term relief, except for immediate effects related to range of motion (p=0.056).
CONCLUSIONS
Significant difference existed among static stretching, autogenic inhibition and reciprocal inhibition groups in terms of pain, disability and range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain.
Topics: Adult; Arthrometry, Articular; Autogenic Training; Cervical Vertebrae; Female; Humans; Male; Manipulation, Spinal; Muscle Strength; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Muscle, Skeletal; Musculoskeletal Pain; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Neck Pain; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Pain Measurement; Range of Motion, Articular; Time Factors
PubMed: 32400728
DOI: 10.5455/JPMA.9596 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2022Depressive symptoms constitute an important group of mental problems that alter the course of post-stroke rehabilitation by reducing quality of life, physical activity,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
PURPOSE
Depressive symptoms constitute an important group of mental problems that alter the course of post-stroke rehabilitation by reducing quality of life, physical activity, social functioning, and interpersonal relationships. Although several studies have shown the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) in the motor treatment of poststroke patients, there is a lack of studies that would also evaluate the impact of VR on psychological aspects. Thus, we investigated the effectiveness of immersive VR therapy on both functional activity and depressive symptoms in stroke survivors.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We conducted a single blind, randomized controlled trial comparing VR therapy with Schultz's Autogenic Training (SAT). Patients randomized to the VR group received treatment in an immersive VR therapeutic garden with elements of psychotherapy and physical activity of the upper extremities, whereas patients in the control group received SAT. Additionally, patients in both groups received standard neurological rehabilitation. The full research cycle lasted six weeks. We used Geriatric Depression Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Acceptance of Illness Scale, Visual Analogue Scale of pain, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Barthel Index, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale and Rivermead Motor Assessment for outcome assessment. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03830372).
RESULTS
We assessed 60 patients and randomly assigned to the VR or control group. The VR group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (ηp = 0.13, p < 0.01) compared to SAT. The applied VR therapy significantly increased the sense of self-efficacy and the level of acceptance of the illness; however, this effect was similar to that obtained with the standard intervention. We did not observe statistically significant changes in the functional parameters of post-stroke patients.
CONCLUSION
The use of VR therapy combined with neurological rehabilitation had a positive effect on improving mood and reducing depressive symptoms in post-stroke patients.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Stroke Rehabilitation; Depression; Single-Blind Method; Quality of Life; Activities of Daily Living; Stroke
PubMed: 36447623
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S375754 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... May 2020Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) will experience high levels of anxiety and low sleep quality due to isolation treatment. Some sleep-improving drugs may... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) will experience high levels of anxiety and low sleep quality due to isolation treatment. Some sleep-improving drugs may inhibit the respiratory system and worsen the condition. Prolonged bedside instruction may increase the risk of medical infections.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety and sleep quality of COVID-19.
METHODS
In this randomized controlled clinical trial, a total of 51 patients who entered the isolation ward were included in the study and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group used progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) technology for 30 min per day for 5 consecutive days. During this period, the control group received only routine care and treatment. Before and after the intervention, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI) and Sleep State Self-Rating Scale (SRSS) were used to measure and record patient anxiety and sleep quality. Finally, data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0 software.
RESULTS
The average anxiety score (STAI) before intervention was not statistically significant (P = 0.730), and the average anxiety score after intervention was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The average sleep quality score (SRSS) of the two groups before intervention was not statistically significant (P = 0.838), and it was statistically significant after intervention (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Progressive muscle relaxation as an auxiliary method can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in patients with COVID-19.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Autogenic Training; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Female; Humans; Male; Muscle Relaxation; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Relaxation Therapy; SARS-CoV-2; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 32379667
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101132 -
International Journal of Behavioral... Oct 2022Autogenic training (AT) is frequently used as therapeutic approach in multimodal pain therapy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Autogenic training (AT) is frequently used as therapeutic approach in multimodal pain therapy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the efficacy of AT in individuals suffering from chronic pain in comparison to passive and active control groups.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search in Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and PubPsych and manual searches (last search April 7, 2021) were conducted to locate randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Treatment guidelines and references of relevant articles and previous reviews were checked. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Full Text database, DART-Europe E-theses Portal, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), and the Theses Database of the German National Library were screened to identify any unpublished material.
RESULTS
A total of 13 eligible studies (k = 15 comparisons) including 576 participants were identified. Random-effects meta-analyses revealed a significantly positive, moderate effect of AT on the primary outcome pain compared to passive control groups (g = 0.58, 95% CI [0.36; 0.79], k = 9, I = 0%). In comparison with other psychological interventions, no difference was found (g = - 0.05, 95% CI [- 0.30; 0.20], k = 6, I = 0%). Sensitivity analyses proved the robustness of findings. Overall risk-of-bias judgment was 'some concerns' in the majority of studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Beneficial effects of AT on pain reduction were demonstrated, but findings are prone to bias. Furthermore, high methodological quality RCTs are needed to strengthen the promising evidence of AT for individuals with chronic pain.
Topics: Anxiety; Autogenic Training; Chronic Pain; Europe; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34705227
DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10038-6 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023Autogenic training (AT) is a well-established self-induced relaxation technique based on autosuggestion. From the past two decades, an increasing number of AT studies... (Review)
Review
Autogenic training (AT) is a well-established self-induced relaxation technique based on autosuggestion. From the past two decades, an increasing number of AT studies strongly suggests the practical usefulness of psychophysiological relaxation in the area of medicine. Despite this interest, to date, limited critical clinical reflection on the application and effects of AT in mental disorders exists. The present paper reviews psychophysiological, psychopathological, and clinical aspects of AT in persons with mental disorders with emphasis on implications for future research and practice. Based on a formal literature search, 29 reported studies (7 meta-analyses/systematic reviews) were identified that examined the effects and impact of AT on mental disorders. The main psychophysiological effects of AT include autonomic cardiorespiratory changes paralleled by central nervous system activity modifications and psychological outputs. Studies demonstrate consistent efficacy of AT in reducing anxiety and medium range positive effects for mild-to-moderate depression. The impact on bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, and acute stress disorder remains unexplored. As an add-on intervention psychotherapy technique with beneficial outcome on psychophysiological functioning, AT represents a promising avenue towards expanding research findings of brain-body links beyond the current limits of the prevention and clinical management of number of mental disorders.
Topics: Humans; Autogenic Training; Mental Disorders; Anxiety; Relaxation Therapy; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 36901353
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054344 -
Brain Sciences Oct 2023Headache disorders are a significant global health burden, leading to reduced quality of life. While vast pharmacological treatments are available, they may be... (Review)
Review
Headache disorders are a significant global health burden, leading to reduced quality of life. While vast pharmacological treatments are available, they may be associated with adverse effects or inadequate efficacy for some patients, therefore there is a need for exploring alternate treatment strategies. This review gives a brief explanation and evaluation of some established and emerging non-pharmacological approaches for headache management, focusing on nutraceuticals and diet, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, relaxation techniques, autogenic training, and neuromodulation. Special consideration is given to psychological interventions as they increase patient self-efficacy and provide strategies for managing chronic pain. Future research should focus on optimizing these therapies, identifying patient-specific factors influencing their effectiveness, and integrating them into holistic headache management strategies.
PubMed: 37891800
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101432 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2021Currently, humanity is facing one of the most critical situations of this century, the COVID-19. The adverse effects of the pandemic on the mental health of the...
Autogenic Training Improves the Subjective Perception of Physical and Psychological Health and of Interpersonal Relational Abilities: An Electronic Field Survey During the COVID-19 Crisis in Spain.
Currently, humanity is facing one of the most critical situations of this century, the COVID-19. The adverse effects of the pandemic on the mental health of the population are well known. Fear of illness, confinement, lack of financial resources, or poor social support can influence people's mental state. Despite these risks, several psychological resources may help address this situation. The present study investigated the effectiveness of a self-relaxation techniques known as autogenic training. Autogenic training is a well-known method in Europe for the treatment of anxiety and stress disorders. The practice of autogenic training is also reported to improve neurovegetative and immune regulation. This study focuses on describing how autogenic training is helping its practitioners to cope with the pandemic. Specifically, they report strong beneficial effects on their physical, psychological, and relational health. In total, 75 autogenic training practitioners (41 women), age 22-71, participated in the survey. An questionnaire was developed to collect information on sociodemographic variables, health status during the pandemic, characteristics of their AT practice, and response to the pandemic as outcome variables. The questionnaire was distributed through Google Forms in the first week of September 2020. The results show that there was an increase in the practice of autogenic therapy during the pandemic, especially among women. In addition, the majority of participants (88%) remained healthy during the pandemic. Furthermore, the results show that autogenic training is very useful for physical and psychological health and for a better understanding of others. Therefore, the practice of autogenic training is recommended to people who live moments of anxiety, are afraid of illness, or feel that they have to improve the quality of relationships with others.
PubMed: 34393872
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.616426