The effect of Benson relaxation technique on fatigue of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: The previous studies showed that fatigue is a very common symptom in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has the greatest effect on their activities of daily living. Benson relaxation technique (BRT) is one of the most relaxation techniques used to decrease fatigue, improve emotional status and quality of life in patients with several chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of BRT on fatigue level of patients diagnosed with MS in Jordan.Methods: This is a quasi-experimental repeated measure study. It involved six neurological clinics in the Ministry of Health and five neurological clinics at private hospitals. In this study, 95 patients returned the completed questionnaire and attended BRT.Results: The mean age of the patients was 33 years. Females accounted for 60% of the patients and almost half of the patients were single. All patients reported having a university degree and three-quarters of the patients were employed. Almost, two-thirds of the patients reported having not more than 1 time of relapse in the past 2 years. The majority of them reported <3 years from the confirmed diagnosis. Findings showed a statistical significant reduction in the overall level of fatigue including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial fatigue of patients with MS after BRT (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Results suggested that this technique is a very effective strategy for reducing fatigue in patients with MS. Therefore, in addition to prescribing medication, it is recommended that this method be applied in the care of patients diagnosed with MS.

Differences Between the Effects of The Benson Relaxation Technique and Deep Breath on Anxiety, Sleep Quality, and Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients

“…The Benson method of relaxing functions from the mind to the muscles. Benson relaxation focuses on certain words or phrases that are repeated in a regular rhythm and are accompanied by an attitude of submission to God Almighty, who will offer a response or stimulus in relaxing the heart, thereby causing the entire body to relax (Safitri et al, 2018;Alzaghmouri et al, 2021).…”

The Effect of Benson's Relaxation Technique on Fatigue and Quality of Life of Patients Diagnosed With Heart Failure

“…It has been shown that BRT has positive effects on fatigue, QOL, sleep quality, pain, anxiety, and stress among different populations. [25][26][27][28] Among patients with HF, only 1 randomized controlled trial examined the effect of BRT on fatigue. 20 This study showed that BRT was effective in reducing fatigue levels.…”

“…20 Among other populations, it has been shown that BRT can positively affect the daily activity of patients undergoing hemodialysis and was used as a complementary treatment to reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients. [28][29][30] Moreover, BRT was found to improve quality of sleep for patients after open heart surgery, 31 and decrease intensity of postoperative spinal anesthesia pain. 32 However, this technique has not been well tested on fatigue and QOL among patients diagnosed with HF.…”

Effect of Benson’s Relaxation Technique on Anxiety, Fatigue and Quality of Sleep in patients with Sleep Paralysis - A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…[19],This study aimed to investigate the effect of BRT on fatigue level of patients diagnosed with MS in Jordan patients after BRT intervention showed significant improvement in overall fatigue level. Benson's Relaxation Technique, which involves deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and focusing on a calming word or phrase, may impact fatigue through several physiological mechanisms -Stress can exacerbate fatigue by activating the sympathetic nervous system and releasing stress hormones like cortisol.…”