The effect of a relaxation technique on coronary risk factors.
This study examined the effect of a relaxation technique on plasma lipids, weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Sixteen outpatient males were randomly assigned to control or experimental groups. The experimental group was taught a relaxation technique that they used throughout the study. The control group was started in a reading program. Subjects were followed by a nurse practitioner and dietitian for eight weeks. Results revealed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and a marginally significant reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the experimental group. Both control and experimental groups self-reported high compliance with diet and adherence to prescribed intervention. State anxiety was found to be inversely related to changes in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
Carson
M A
MA
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Manchester, New Hampshire.
Hathaway
A
A
Tuohey
J P
JP
McKay
B M
BM
D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D002784:Cholesterol