Investigation of Different Relaxation Techniques in Eliciting a Relaxation Response
Condition: Stress, Psychological
MeSH terms: Stress, Psychological
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      While the stress response, characterised by an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and
      cortisol, has evolved to ensure the survival of the organism in face of danger, chronic
      stress due to psychological stressors can be harmful. The opposite of the stress response is
      the "relaxation response". Mind-body techniques such as meditation, guided imagery and music
      therapy are thought to induce this response. The relaxation response is characterized as a
      wakeful hypometabolic state, where a decrease in central nervous system arousal is observed.
      Some studies reported a reduction in stress hormones, and in symptoms of anxiety and
      depression following the use of mind-body relaxation techniques. Other studies noted a
      reduction in stress measured using physiological measurements such as heart rate and blood
      pressure.

      Light therapy is another technique that is suggested to induce physiological changes similar
      to those seen in the relaxation response. Some studies have shown a reduction in heart rate,
      blood pressure, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production following exposure to blue
      light.

      These relaxation therapies can be useful for the general population and for vulnerable groups
      where alternative therapies, such as medication and psychotherapy, are difficult. Limited
      amount of studies have quantified the decrease in stress in physiological measurements such
      as heart rate and blood pressure.

      The aim of this study is to investigate which relaxation technique among five different
      interventions (and one control) is the most effective in improving relaxation and reducing
      stress in adult women of reproductive age (18-45 years). The results of this study will be
      used to inform the intervention of a study testing the impact of relaxation therapy on
      breastfeeding outcomes in mothers of late preterm infants.
    


Intervention name(s): Guided Imagery Relaxation Tape; Music Listening; Relaxation Lighting; Meditation and Relaxation Light; Music and Relaxation Light; Control/Silence
Intervention type(s): Other; Other; Other; Other; Other; Other
Intervention description(s): The meditation is approximately 7 minutes in duration.; Participants have the option of selecting one of the following music categories: New age, classical, and oriental. The songs were selected based on criteria established in a previous study to induce relaxation. All songs were also modified in length to be approximately 7 minutes in duration.; The participants were asked to select either orange or blue lighting settings using the Philips Hue lighting. The intensity of the light will be fixed to control for that measure. They were asked to sit for approximately 7 minutes in duration.; The guided imagery meditation and relaxation lighting were combined.; The music and relaxation lighting were combined.; The participants were asked to relax for a duration of 7 minutes, with no explicit advice given. Lighting was adjusted to a specific intensity and colour (basic yellow light) as was used in the music and guided imagery interventions.
Other intervention name(s): Mediation; Music
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Intervention model description: Within-subject pilot study, where each participant will undergo five different relaxation therapies (guided imagery meditation, music listening, "relaxation" lighting, combination of light and meditation, and a combination of light and music) and one silence/control state.
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Meditation; Music; Relaxation; Light Therapy; Stress