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Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine
Published in: Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Original research article

A quick relaxation exercise for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: explorative randomized controlled trial

Authors: Eleonora Volpato, Paolo Banfi, Antonello Nicolini, Francesco Pagnini

Published in: Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) suffer from dyspnoea, which may be increased by anxiety. Previous studies suggest that relaxation techniques may have positive effects in pulmonary rehabilitation. The main aim of this study is to explore the clinical impact of a quick, one-session, relaxation training for people with COPD.

Methods

In this perspective, 38 participants with COPD were recruited and randomly assigned to listen to a relaxing audio or to watch a neutral stimulus, during their routine exams. Participants were assessed for psychological and physiological variables, analysed through non-parametric tests.

Results

Those who joined the relaxation training showed more positive outcomes about respiratory and cardiac assessments, as well as for state anxiety and positive affections, in comparison with the baseline and the control group.

Conclusions

Study results suggest that relaxation has a potential to produce improvements in respiratory and cardiac functions, together with a positive emotional effect and a reduction of anxiety.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02698904. Record Registration: February 2016.
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Metadata
Title
A quick relaxation exercise for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: explorative randomized controlled trial
Authors
Eleonora Volpato
Paolo Banfi
Antonello Nicolini
Francesco Pagnini
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 2049-6958
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40248-018-0124-9

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