Relaxation training and memory improvement in elderly normals: Correlation of anxiety ratings and recall improvement

Twenty-six elderly subjects rated for degree of anxiety were taught a progressive muscle relaxation technique. Subjects with a relatively high level of anxiety improved on a list learning measure when they were relaxed, whereas subjects with relatively low levels of anxiety showed impairment of learning after relaxation. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to cognitive theory and cognitive retraining programs for the elderly.