The Effect of Benson Relaxation Technique on the Fatigue Severity of Patients With MS

Background: Fatigue is a frequent symptom in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that can interfere with the daily functioning of the patient. The present study aimed to determine the effect of the Benson relaxation technique on the fatigue severity of MS patients. Methods: This was a clinical trial study. A total of 60 MS patients with <5 degrees of disability were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups (n=30 per group). The intervention group performed the Benson relaxation technique twice daily, and for 20 minutes during one month. No intervention was provided to the control group. Before and after the study, the fatigue questionnaire was completed by the patients, and the two groups were compared. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS using the Chi-squared test, Independent Samples t-test, and Paired Samples t-test. Results: Benson relaxation exercises significantly reduced the average fatigue severity of patients with MS (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Benson relaxation technique can be used as a cost-benefit, safe, and ordinary complementary therapy to reduce fatigue in patients with MS.