Positive Health Online

Abstract

MA and colleagues, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing China studied the effects of relaxation training upon surgical stress response.

Background

Methodology

51 abdominal surgery patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1) Experimental group (n=25) where patients received preoperative instruction and training in relaxation 2) Control group with patients receiving preoperative instruction alone. State anxiety and physical symptoms of anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, blood serum levels of cortisone and postoperative pain of the 2 groups were evaluated and compared on the third preoperative day, operation day, and on the first and fourth postoperative days.

Results

1) Significant differences between the 2 groups were found regarding state anxiety scores on each day, physical anxiety symptoms and pain severity on the first and fourth postoperative days 2) Compared with the control group, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate decreased in the experimental group 3) Compared with the control group, blood serum cortisone level was significantly decreased in the experimental group on the first postoperative day.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that relaxation training exerts positive effects upon stress responses to surgery, particularly in reducing the psychological anxiety response. Relaxation training can be used as an easy and effective method in nursing practice.

References

Ma YL et al. Relaxation training on stress to abdominal surgery. Chung Hua Hu Li Tasa Chih 31(7): 377-80. Jul 1996.