Asthma and relaxation training

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  May, 2006  by Robert A. Anderson

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In sixteen recruited asthmatic adults, mean forehead muscle tension fell from 1.9 to 1.3 [micro]v(p=0.02), blood pressure and heart rate fell significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.001), and FE[V.sub.1]/FVC percentage improved from 78 to 83 (p=0.044) from baseline to post-training in those randomly undergoing eight sessions of relaxation training, consisting of autogenics, progressive relaxation, deep breathing, and biofeedback vs. routinely handled controls on a wait-list. Asthma severity in controls fell 42% vs. 69% in the training group, and inhaler use fell two percent vs. 46%, respectively.

Kern-Buell CL et al. Asthma severity, psychophysiological indicators of arousal, and immune function in asthma patients undergoing biofeedback-assisted relaxation. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2000; 25(2):79-91.

COMMENT: Biofeedback-assisted relaxation training achieved a significant positive effect in these non-steroid-dependent asthmatics who, at post-treatment, were requiring much lower doses of medications. Untoward reactions to medications contribute to the growing mortality from asthma. Biofeedback treatment is not difficult to learn, and it supplies a persuasive record that convinces the skeptic. I have previously shared my enthusiasm for this technique, which has myriad applications.

COPYRIGHT 2006 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group