A comparison of the physiologic responseto different relaxation techniques in normotensive subjects
Item
- Title
-
A comparison of the physiologic responseto different relaxation techniques in
normotensive subjects - Author(s)
- Law Suzanne
- Abstract
- The purpose of the current study was to compare the effectiveness of two common relaxation techniques on the ability to reduce physiological arousal. 32 subjects participated in a randomised, controlled, single-blind study testing diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing rate and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle whilst positioned supine and listening to a taped sequence of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), Abdominal Breathing (AB) or a passage of osteopathic text (Control). No differences were found for pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate or EMG activity between the PMR or AB conditions. Significantly, a decrease in diastolic blood pressure was observed in the Control condition. Results of the study suggest that a single, 20 minute laboratory session of quiet supine lying with eyes closed whilst engaging the consciousness with a neutral source of cognitive input may lower diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, a single 20 minute laboratory session of PMR or AB in subjects refraining from autonomic stimulants for a specified period has no significant effect on the physiological variables of pulse rate, diastolic blood pressure, breathing rate or SCM EMG activity when compared to a matched control. Potential causes of the observed decrease in blood pressure are discussed as are aspects of relaxation theory and the effect of various relaxation techniques on different physiological variables. Implications for the Osteopathic profession are discussed and suggestions made for utilising the collected baseline data in future longitudinal studies and for the use of relaxation techniques as a potential enhancement to cavitation in joint manipulation.
- presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13593
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Law Suzanne, “A comparison of the physiologic responseto different relaxation techniques in normotensive subjects”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 29, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/1164