title: The effect of relaxation on postoperative muscle tension and pain.
abstract: Relaxation training has been postulated to decrease abdominal muscle tension, a source of postoperative pain, as well as alter the psychological variables of anxiety and perceived control. A two-group pre- and posttest experimental design was used to determine if abdominal muscle tension, self-report of pain and distress differ in adult cholecystectomy patients in two treatment conditions. Six patients received relaxation training, and six patients, serving as a control, received standard preoperative instruction. Results showed the distress caused by painful sensations was lower for patients who learned the relaxation technique.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012064:Relaxation Therapy
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics