Effects of relaxation therapy on psychologic distress and symptom status in older Chinese patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND Previous studies demonstrated the effects of progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) on improvements in the health outcomes of cardiac patients. This study examined the effects of PMRT on the psychologic status and symptoms of older Chinese patients with heart failure. METHODS In a longitudinal, randomized, and controlled study, 59 patients were allocated to receive a PMRT program and 62 were provided with the attention placebo. The PMRT program included two PMRT sessions, one revision workshop, twice-daily PMRT home practices, and a biweekly telephone follow-up call. The attention placebo included a regular telephone call at a schedule similar to that made by the interventionist of the PMRT program with the intervention group. Main outcome measures, including psychologic distress, dyspnea, and fatigue, were taken at baseline, the 8th week, and the 14th week. RESULTS A medium effect on psychologic distress in favor of the PMRT program was detected. Patients practicing PMRT however only demonstrated a nonsignificant trend of greater improvement in symptom status. CONCLUSION Progressive muscle relaxation training seems to be useful as an adjunctive nonpharmacologic treatment modality in the management of heart failure.