Key result
Progressive muscle relaxation reduces anxiety and boosts perceived health control over standard counseling at 4 months.
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The effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on anxiety and perceptions of personal control over health status are evaluated in this study. After collection of baseline data, 22 hypertensive clients received relaxation training in a series of weekly group sessions followed by individual monitoring sessions over a 6-week period. The 22 hypertensive clients in the control group received blood pressure monitoring, weight checks, and health counseling but were given no relaxation training during the study period. The group instructed in relaxation exhibited significantly lower anxiety than the control group at 4-month followup. After training, the relaxation group also scored significantly higher than the control group on beliefs in personal control of health and lower in beliefs that chance or luck affected health outcomes. At followup, the groups did not differ significantly on perceived influence of powerful others over health status. Findings support the potential usefulness of relaxation training in modifying affective and cognitive characteristics of hypertensive clients.
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Nola J. Pender (1985) studied Hypertension (n=44). Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training vs. Blood pressure monitoring, weight checks, and health counseling without relaxation training was evaluated on Anxiety and perceptions of personal control over health status (health locus of control). Progressive muscle relaxation training for 6 weeks significantly lowered anxiety and increased perceived personal health control compared to standard counseling at 4-month follow-up.
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