The Efficacy of Relaxation Response interventions With Adult Patients: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The relaxation response is an integrated psycho-physiologic response originating in the hypothalamus that leads to a generalized decrease in arousal of the central nervous system. As such it is the physiologic antithesis of the stress response. This hypometabolic state is the foundation of many nursing interventions. Relaxation interventions have been taught for centuries. They include many theoretic and philosophic traditions and an array of specific strategies. The possible outcomes using relaxation response strategies in nursing practice are numerous and enable the patient to use the body's own innate mechanisms for health and healing. Thirty-seven studies of the efficacy of relaxation response interventions with adult patients are reviewed. Although numerous patient populations are addressed by the studies, some of which have methodologic problems, consistencies in the results suggest the effectiveness of the relaxation response in reducing hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, pain, and medication use across multiple populations, diagnostic categories, and settings. Recommendations for the use of relaxation responses in varied clinical settings are included.

Relaxation therapies for the management of primary hypertension in adults: a Cochrane review

“…16,17 and the reference lists of included RCTs and of meta-analyses [5][6][7]12,13,[18][19][20] identified from the searches. There was no language restriction.…”

“…5 Autogenic training aims to elicit the relaxation response through focusing on physical sensations of, for example, breathing or heartbeat, assisted by self-suggestion. 6,7 Cognitive therapy aims to change irrational thought processes behind problematic emotions. 8 Behavioural therapy uses reinforcements (for example, rewarding or not rewarding specific behaviours) to modify behavioural responses to stress.…”

Engaging Critically Ill Patients in Symptom Management: Thinking Outside the Box!

“…Music can be described as sounds arranged in time to provide a continuous, unified, and evocative composition. 14 Relaxing music (slow tempo of 60-80 beats/minute, pitch, and no lyrics 15 ) dampens arousability of the central nervous system through release of inhibitory neurotransmitters and withdrawal of sympathetic activity via diminished norepinephrine release. 16 Music initiates brainstem responses that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and muscle tension through noradrenergic neurons that regulate cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission.…”

“…Music with steady, slow, and repetitive rhythm exerts a hypnotic effect, contributing to relaxation and anxiety reduction. 15,32,33 Familiarity with music influences the listener's responses. Studies in non-ICU patients document that participants who listen to preferred, familiar music experience pleasant and positive feelings that correlate with activation of the limbic system.…”

Mind-Body Practices in Integrative Medicine

“…Posture is less important and a specific content-less state of mind is not the target of the technique, but simply relaxation. Some of the research shows that even this comparatively reduced program seems to have some effects [181][182][183][184][185][186]. A recent meta analysis embracing 27 studies found that relaxation training showed a medium-large effect size in the treatment of anxiety [187].…”