Preference for different relaxation techniques by COPD patients: comparison between six techniques.
BACKGROUND
A review of the effectiveness of relaxation techniques for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients has shown inconsistent results, but studies have varied in terms of technique and outcome measures.


OBJECTIVE
To determine patient preference for different relaxation techniques.


METHODS
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were presented with six techniques via a DVD and asked to rate the techniques in terms of effectiveness, rank in order of likely use, and comment.


RESULTS
Patients differed in the technique preferred and reason for that preference, but the most commonly preferred technique both for effectiveness and ease of use was "thinking of a nice place" followed by progressive relaxation and counting. Familiarity and ease of activity were commonly given reasons for preference.


CONCLUSIONS
Rather than providing patients with a single technique that they might find difficult to implement, these results suggest that it would be better to give a choice. "Thinking of a nice place" is a popular but under-investigated technique.
School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth.
Michael E
ME
Hyland
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter.
David Mg
DM
Halpin
Honiton Group Practice, Honiton.
Sue
S
Blake
Honiton Group Practice, Honiton.
Clare
C
Seamark
Honiton Group Practice, Honiton.
Margaret
M
Pinnuck
Honiton Group Practice, Honiton.
David
D
Ward
School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth.
Ben
B
Whalley
University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter.
Colin J
CJ
Greaves
GSK House, Brentford, UK.
Adam L
AL
Hawkins
Honiton Group Practice, Honiton.
Dave
D
Seamark
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D007092:Imagination; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D057240:Patient Preference; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D021641:Recognition, Psychology; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015013:Yoga
COPD exacerbation; anxiety; relaxation techniques
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