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Diet
& Lifestyle
Relaxation-Anxiety Research
Relaxation techniques
reduce anxiety
Progressive
muscle relaxation, yoga stretching and imagery are all methods which used
to induce a state of relaxation. But how effective are they?
Researchers at the Roosevelt University Stress
Institute, Chicago, USA investigated these forms of relaxation by
monitoring their effects on 114 men and women. Each participant was
treated to 25 minutes of progressive muscle relaxation, yoga stretching
and imagery taking the Smith Quick Stress Test (which measures Somatic
Stress, Negative Affect, and Worry) and data was recorded before and after
the therapies.
The exercises concentrated on relaxation, mental
relaxation, strength and awareness, joy, love and thankfulness, and
prayer. No difference was observed for creativity, but physical relaxation
was found to be significantly improved after the yoga stretching and
imagery.
All those who took part in the relaxation
exercises reported that they were more calm and were able to cope better
with anxiety.
The researchers concluded that the relaxation
methods were capable of inducing a deep state of relaxation and that these
techniques should be more widely taught to patients who need help
controlling stress in their lives.
Source: Percept Mot Skills
1999 Apr;88(2):409-16
Stress, relaxation states, and creativity.
Khasky AD, Smith JC
©
The Internet Health Library 2000
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This page was last updated on 28 March 2001 11:26:26
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