Effects of Autogenic Training on Perioperative Anxiety and Pain in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background& Aims: Immediately after undergoing breast cancer surgery,patients may usually have some psychological and physiological distress. Autogenic training (AT)is a complementary medicine and self-relaxation technique to relieve anxiety in patients. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of AT on perioperative anxiety and pain in patients with breast cancer. Methods:Between July 2010 and March 2012,60 patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer and scheduled for surgery were randomly assigned to the AT group or the control group. In the AT group,patients underwent 20 min of AT,three times a day within 3 days after surgery,and the control group received the usual care. The assessment was done based on the State Anxiety Inventory, Visual Analogue Pain Scale, heart rate variability,and analgesic requirement. Results:The AT group had a significantly decreased anxiety score during postoperative three days. Postoperative pain score was also significantly decreased,despite the fact that the two groups had received an equivalent amount of analgesics. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in their analgesic requirement. Conclusion:AT may be a useful non-pharmacological approach for relieving anxiety and pain immediately after breast cancer surgery.(Kitakanto Med J 2013;63:1~11)