Relaxation Techniques for Handicapped Children: a Review of Literature

Relaxation exercises have been used effectively with handicapped children as an intervention treatment for behavior management. Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, isometrics, yoga, movement exercises, massage, guided fantasy and imagery, meditation, concentration, suggestion, music, breathing control, self-relaxation, and biofeedback training have been applied with successful results to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, improve academic achievement, increase attention span, and improve communications and interpersonal relationships. This paper discusses four major relaxation training approaches used with handicapped children: progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback, yoga, and mental relaxation, which includes guided fantasy, imagery, and meditation. Descriptions of these techniques, the effects of their use with various populations, and reviews of recent studies of their use, are presented.