Cue-controlled relaxation is looked at to determine whether a component is efficacious as the entire procedure. Subjects were 40 male and 40 female undergraduates. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: cue-controlled relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises with a paired. cue word, on a presentation of the cue word without being paired. It was hypothesized that cue-controlled relaxation would be superior to a component of cue-controlled relaxation. It was determined that cue-controlled relaxation is not more efficacious than a particular component. Data suggests the majority of anxiety reduction takes place when the treatment focuses on the same modality from which the subject receives the most information about their anxiety. Implications and suggestions for further research are presented.

by Cheung Yuk Lung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 95-111). / Abstracts in English and Chinese; questionnaires in Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i-ii / 摘要 --- p.iii-iv / Abstract --- p.v-vi / Table of Contents --- p.vii-viii / List of Tables --- p.ix / List of Figures --- p.x / Chapter Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- Literature Review / Anxiety --- p.3 / Quality of Life --- p.8 / Quality of Life for Stoma Patients --- p.19 / Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Reducing Anxiety and Promoting Quality of Life --- p.24 / The Rationale of Using PMRT in Reducing Anxiety and Promoting Quality of Life --- p.35 / Summary of Literature Review --- p.38 / Chapter Chapter 3. --- Methods / Research Design --- p.40 / Aim and Objectives --- p.41 / Hypotheses --- p.42 / Operational Definitions --- p.43 / Ethical Consideration --- p.44 / Sample --- p.45 / Intervention --- p.47 / Instruments --- p.49 / Data Collection and Randomization --- p.54 / Pilot Study --- p.56 / Method of Data Analysis --- p.57 / Chapter Chapter 4. --- Results / Internal Consistency of the Instruments --- p.59 / Subjects' Characteristics --- p.60 / "Baseline Assessment of State-Anxiety, Trait-Anxiety, QoL-Colostomy and WHO-QoL Scores " --- p.64 / Effect of PMRT on the State-Anxiety and Quality of Life --- p.65 / The Frequency of Practicing PMRT --- p.71 / Chapter Chapter 5. --- Discussion and Conclusion / Discussion --- p.75 / Limitations --- p.84 / Recommendations and Implications for Future Studies --- p.88 / Conclusion --- p.93 / References --- p.95 / Appendixes / Chapter 1 . --- Letters of Ethical Approval / Chapter 2. --- Letter of Request for Access Aapproval / Chapter 3. --- Informed Consent / Chapter 4. --- Questionnaires / Chapter 5. --- Content Validity Index of Chinese Version of QoL-Colostomy

by Chan Suk Ping. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-119). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Acknowledgments --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / List of Tables --- p.ix / List of Figures --- p.xii / Abbreviation --- p.xiv / Chapter CHAPTER ONE --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- The Research Problem --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Purpose of The Study --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Variables and Definition of Terms --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Hypotheses --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Significance of The Study --- p.11 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- REVIEW OF LITERATURE / Chapter 2.1 --- Benefits and Potential Disadvantages of Stretching --- p.12 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Benefits of Stretching --- p.12 / Chapter (a) --- Muscle Relaxation --- p.12 / Chapter (b) --- Performance Enhancement --- p.14 / Chapter (c) --- Prevention of Injury --- p.17 / Chapter (d) --- Increase of Range of Motion --- p.19 / Chapter (e) --- Prevention of Muscle Soreness --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- The Potential Disadvantages of Stretching --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2 --- Limiting Factors of Flexibility --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Muscle --- p.22 / Chapter (a) --- Histologic Components of Muscle --- p.22 / Chapter (b) --- Muscular Elongation --- p.23 / Chapter (c) --- The Effects of Immobilization --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Connective Tissue --- p.24 / Chapter (a) --- Collagen --- p.25 / Chapter (b) --- Elastic Tissue --- p.27 / Chapter (c) --- Tissue Composed of Connective Tissue --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- The Mechanical Properties of Soft Tissue --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- "Age, Gender, Physical Activity and Temperature" --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3 --- Neurophysiology of Stretching --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Muscle Spindles and Golgi Tendon Organs --- p.34 / Chapter (a) --- Structure and Role of Muscle Spindle --- p.35 / Chapter (b) --- Structure and Role of Golgi Tendon Organs --- p.38 / Chapter (c) --- Parallel and Series End Organs --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Electromyography --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4 --- Hamstrings --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Functions of Hamstrings --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Limited Range of Motion in Hamstrings --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Measurement of Hamstrings Flexibility --- p.46 / Chapter 2.5 --- Stretching Protocol --- p.50 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Modes of Stretching --- p.50 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Intensity of Stretching --- p.53 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- METHOD / Chapter 3.1 --- Subjects --- p.55 / Chapter 3.2 --- Instrumentation --- p.57 / Chapter 3.3 --- Procedure --- p.60 / Chapter 3.4 --- Reliability Study --- p.69 / Chapter 3.5 --- Data Analysis --- p.70 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- RESULTS / Chapter 4.1 --- Reliability Study --- p.72 / Chapter 4.2 --- Experimental Study --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Range of Motion of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.74 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Passive Resistance of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.75 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Subjective Rating of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.76 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Myoelectric Activities of Hamstrings of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.76 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Hamstrings Performance of Pre-Test and Post-Test --- p.79 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Range of Motion Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Passive Resistance of Hamstrings Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Subjective Rating of Perceived Stretch Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.9 --- Myoelectric Activities of Hamstrings Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3.0 --- Performance of Hamstrings Difference among Trained and Untrained Groups --- p.83 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE --- DISCUSSION / Chapter 5.1 --- Hamstrings Flexibility Analysis --- p.92 / Chapter 5.2 --- Hamstrings Passive Resistance Analysis --- p.94 / Chapter 5.3 --- Rating of Perceived Stretch Analysis --- p.97 / Chapter 5.4 --- Hamstrings Myoelectric Activities Analysis --- p.98 / Chapter 5.5 --- Hamstrings Performance Analysis --- p.100 / Chapter 5.6 --- Limitations and Suggestions --- p.102 / Chapter 5.7 --- Conclusions --- p.103 / REFERENCES --- p.105 / APPENDIX / Appendix A. Informed Consent / Appendix B. Personal Particulars and Past Medical History Screening Sheet / Appendix C. Perceived Stretch Rating Scale / Appendix D. Record Sheet

Providing care for a frail older adult who is suffering from dementia has been described as a stressful experience that may erode psychological well-being and physical health of caregivers. The present study investigated the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), among older family caregivers of persons with neurocognitive disorders, compared with an intervention based on progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Participants were randomly assigned to either MBSR or PMR (n = 28). The MBSR group showed significantly greater reductions in self-reported levels of depression and isolation from pre- to post-intervention, and those changes remained significant at 8 weeks post-intervention. Both groups showed similar decreases in levels of perceived stress, cortisol awakening response, daily average cortisol, and in resting systolic blood pressure from pre- to post-intervention. Results suggest that MBSR and relaxation-based interventions may both be effective for caregivers, however, further research, employing waitlist control participants will be necessary for unambiguous interpretation of the present results.

Previous research suggested that sleep onset insomnia was significantly reduced with the use of relaxation techniques; however, the majority of these studies used college student populations with mild to moderate insomnia. The objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of using muscle relaxation training in a clinical population known to have sleeping difficulties—cancer patients. Results of this study suggest that muscle relaxation training is an effective technique to reduce sleep onset insomnia in cancer patients, and perhaps also in any clinical group. The technique seems especially promising since it was shown to be effective with severe insomniacs suffering severe medical problems. Results of the study were discussed in terms of possible explanations for the efficacy of the treatment, potential uses of the technique with other clinical populations, and ease of teaching nonpsychologist health professionals to treat with muscle relaxation training.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Purpose: The trapezius muscle is thought to be the muscle most commonly associated with the presence of active myofascial trigger points (MFTP’s). Studies of the trapezius muscle clearly show that muscular activity significantly increases in response to psychological stress. Cervical spine manipulation has been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of active MFTP’s and muscular tension. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) therapy is frequently utilized as a relaxation technique in subjects complaining of increased levels of muscular tension, possibly due to an increased perception of psychological stress. Although cervical spine manipulation alone is effective in the treatment of active MFTP’s and muscular tension, chiropractors often search for adjunctive therapies to improve current treatment protocols. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the combination of cervical spine manipulation and PMR therapy is a more efficient, and possibly effective, treatment protocol for active MFTP’s of the trapezius muscle. Method: This study was a comparative study and consisted of two groups of fifteen participants each. All participants were between the ages of eighteen and thirty-five years of age, with a male to female ratio of 1:1. Potential participants were examined and accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A received chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy of the cervical spine. Group B was the combination group and therefore received chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy of the cervical spine together with the application of PMR therapy. Subjective measurements consisted of a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Questionnaire, Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) and the Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index Questionnaire. Objective measurements consisted of pressure pain threshold algometry readings taken from active trigger points one (TP1) and/or trigger point two (TP2) on the right and/or left side of the upper trapezius muscle.

Providing care for a frail older adult who is suffering from dementia has been described as a stressful experience that may erode psychological well-being and physical health of caregivers. The burden and stress is increased when the caregivers are themselves elderly. The present study investigated an 8-week stress-reduction program, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and compared it to a similarly structured, alternative behavioral intervention, Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), to determine if MBSR was as effective or more effective than PMR at reducing subjective burden, symptoms of depression, perceived loneliness or perceived stress among middle-aged and older family caregivers of persons with dementia and other neurocognitive disorders. Twenty-eight participants were randomly assigned to either MBSR or PMR. Self-report and biological measures were collected on five occasions: At the beginning and end of intervention training, and at 8 weeks, 6 months and 1 year following the end of intervention training. In addition to a packet of self-report questionnaires and home-collected salivary cortisol, a laboratory controlled emotional stress test was designed to elicit an emotionally stressful response relevant to caregivers’ experience of caregiving, and facilitate the measurement of stress-related changes in systolic blood pressure and cortisol reactivity. At 1 year post-intervention, the PMR group showed a significantly greater reduction in perceived stress and disruptive patient behaviors. A reduction in emotional reactivity to patient problem behaviors approached significance (p = .08) at 1 year post-intervention for the PMR group. The MBSR group showed significantly greater reductions in self-reported symptoms of depression and perceived isolation from pre- to post-intervention, and those changes remained significant at 8 weeks post-intervention. However, by 1 year post-intervention, interaction effects were non-significant as both groups showed similar decreases in symptoms of depression and perceived isolation. Both groups showed similar decreases in diurnal cortisol, cortisol awakening response, and daily average cortisol (but not laboratory cortisol) from pre- to post-intervention and further decreases at 8 weeks post-intervention, and showed similar reductions in magnitude of change by 1 year post-intervention. This pattern was similar for both groups with systolic blood pressure, showing decreases from pre- to post-intervention, additional decreases at 8 weeks post-intervention, and returning towards baseline by 1 year post-intervention. Both groups also reported similar increases in levels of dispositional mindfulness and self-compassion and similar improvement in overall sleep quality that was sustained at 1 year post-intervention. No changes were seen for perceived burden or loneliness. Significant correlations with amount of daily practice of the instructed stress-reduction approaches were observed for several of the dependent measures from pre- to post-intervention and 8 weeks post-intervention. From pre-intervention to 1 year post-intervention, an overall pattern emerged, where both groups showed similar improvements from pre- to post-intervention, and additional improvements at 8 weeks post-intervention, but displayed a curvilinear reduction in improvements—with some exceptions—and a return towards baseline at 6 months and 1 year post-intervention. In general, reductions in the magnitude of changes observed by 1 year post-intervention remained below baseline levels. Results suggest that both MBSR and relaxation-based interventions may be differentially effective in reducing psychological and physiological indices of chronic stress among older caregivers of relatives with neurocognitive disorders. However, further research, employing wait-list control participants, will be necessary for unambiguous interpretation of the present results.

Relaxation procedures and anxiety relief were reviewed. Effects of cognitive and expectancy variables in reduction of avoidance behavior were also extensively reviewed. Various theoretical models for desensitization were presented. Use of symbolic control in classical conditioning and use of self-control methods in anxiety reduction were discussed. Special emphasis was given to self-desensitization and cue controlled relaxation. One goal of the experiment was to determine whether a musical stimulus associated with counter anxiety procedures could reduce or prevent subjects' phobic responses in the presence of the phobic situation. Another goal was to determine the relative efficacy of two counter anxiety procedures (anxiety relief and progressive muscle relaxation) in lowering muscle tension and in reducing or preventing speech anxiety. Several implications were drawn from the study. Relaxation alone may alleviate anxiety and phobic behavior without being paired with phobic stimuli. Cognitive variables such as expectancy and feedback of progress make a substantial contribution to treatment of situational anxiety. Progressive muscle relaxation may not be the technique of choice for producing low levels of muscle tension. Recommendations for future research were specified, including additional measures and control procedures.

Yes / Chronic non-malignant pain is a global condition with a complex biopsychosocial impact on the sufferers. Relaxation skills are commonly included as part of a pain management programme, which is currently the recommended evidence-based intervention for this group of patients. However, there is little evidence behind the choice of relaxation method implemented, or their effectiveness. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of relaxation skills in the management of chronic non-malignant pain, related to pain intensity and health-related quality of life. A systematic literature review was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro and PsycARTICLES. The Cochrane, DARE and Trip databases were also accessed, and searches were carried out using the terms (relaxation OR relaxation therapy OR relaxation training) AND (pain OR chronic pain). Following critical appraisal, ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies reported a decrease in pain intensity as a result of the relaxation intervention, whilst only one study reported an improvement in health-related quality of life. Progressive muscle relaxation was the most commonly implemented method throughout, although its method of delivery differed between studies. There is little evidence for the use of relaxation as a stand-alone intervention for pain intensity and health-related quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal chronic non-malignant pain. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

Yu Sau Fung. / "October 2004." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 389-460) / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.