Placebo effects on the quantity and quality of relaxation training

Abstract

Many people find it difficult to practice progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) regularly. We attempted to improve relaxation quantity (i.e. adherence), and relaxation quality via placebo. A total of 100 women were randomly assigned to a standard group, which practiced PMR at home every day for two weeks, or a placebo group, which practiced PMR for two weeks with additional daily placebo treatment. To monitor adherence to relaxation practice, we used a smartphone app. The placebo group practiced more often than the standard group. Both groups did not differ in their reported relaxation level after the daily exercises.

Combined Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Placebo Treatment for Patients with Depression: A Follow-Up Assessment

“…For example, a study on placebo effects on the compliance to practice relaxation training in healthy individuals used an app-assisted approach. 24 The participants opened a smartphone application to listen to the relaxation instructions and to evaluate the relaxation exercise. This helps to gather reliable data on the frequency and effectiveness of practicing.…”

Taking Placebos as Needed to Reduce Appetite: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Ecological Momentary Assessment

“…Moreover, poor adherence rates or even drop-out are problems related to longitudinal placebo studies on appetite reduction [ 11 , 19 ]. In our study, compliance was very good; a high percentage (92%) of participants completed all of the required app ratings over the trial.…”

Non-Deceptive Placebos Can Promote Acts of Kindness: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that placebos can increase the frequency of specific behaviors. For example, placebo treatment (with deceptive as well as non-deceptive instructions) has been associated with improved compliance in practicing relaxation training [ 6 , 10 ]. In studies on sports performance, participants who had received a placebo (a ‘performance enhancer’) displayed higher levels of endurance (for a review, see [ 8 ]).…”

“…Only the deceptive placebo but not the OLP reduced reported sadness. Two PMR investigations that analyzed the effects of a placebo (sunflower oil) used the same design and procedure with one exception: the oil was introduced as a natural medicine (deceptive placebo) in one study or as an OLP in the other study [ 6 , 10 ]. The placebos enhanced the practicing frequency compared to no-placebo.…”

“…So far, only rarely have placebos been used to promote positive emotions and positive activities. For example, a deceptive placebo (sunflower oil labeled as herbal medicine that helps to focus on one’s inner strengths) increased the frequency of relaxation practice in healthy students during a two-week training [ 6 ]. In a study by Gaab et al [ 7 ], one group of healthy participants viewed an animated video showing green dots, along with the placebo suggestion that ‘the color green activates early conditioned emotional schemata’.…”