Relaxation training for anxiety: a ten-years systematic review with meta-analysis.
Gian Mauro Manzoni, Francesco Pagnini, Gianluca Castelnuovo, Enrico Molinari
BMC Psychiatry June 2, 2008 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-8-41 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Jacobson's progressive relaxation autogenic training applied relaxation meditation |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Key findings | Relaxation training produced a medium-to-large reduction in anxiety across 27 studies, with Cohen's d of 0.57 within groups and 0.51 between groups. Efficacy was higher for meditation, among volunteers, and for longer treatments. The authors conclude relaxation training has consistent and significant efficacy for anxiety. |
Abstract
Relaxation training is a common treatment for anxiety problems. Lacking is a recent quantitative meta-analysis that enhances understanding of the variability and clinical significance of anxiety reduction outcomes after relaxation treatment. All studies (1997-2007), both RCT, observational and without control group, evaluating the efficacy of relaxation training (Jacobson's progressive relaxation, autogenic training, applied relaxation and meditation) for anxiety problems and disorders were identified by comprehensive electronic searches with Pubmed, Psychinfo and Cochrane Registers, by checking references of relevant studies and of other reviews. Our primary outcome was anxiety measured with psychometric questionnaires. Meta-analysis was undertaken synthesizing the data from all trials, distinguishing within and between effect sizes. 27 studies qualified for the inclusion in the meta-analysis. As hypothesized, relaxation training showed a medium-large effect size in the treatment of anxiety. Cohen's d was .57 (95% CI: .52 to .68) in the within analysis and .51 (95% CI: .46 to .634) in the between group analysis. Efficacy was higher for meditation, among volunteers and for longer treatments. Implications and limitations are discussed. The results show consistent and significant efficacy of relaxation training in reducing anxiety. This meta-analysis extends the existing literature through facilitation of a better understanding of the variability and clinical significance of anxiety improvement subsequent to relaxation training.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 19
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- Complementary, Holistic, and Integrative Medicine: Meditation Practices for Pediatric Health Pediatrics in Review December 1, 2010
- If they like it they can take it with them: A mixed methods look at the use of Internet-based instruction of mindfulness meditation with incarcerated youth Advances in Social Work July 27, 2015
and 14 more in the library
Cites 5
- Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003
- An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care BMC Psychiatry April 7, 2006
- Systematic review of the efficacy of meditation techniques as treatments for medical illness. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine October 2006
- Meditation therapy for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews January 25, 2006
- Is spirituality a critical ingredient of meditation? Comparing the effects of spiritual meditation, secular meditation, and relaxation on spiritual, psychological, cardiac, and pain outcomes. Journal of Behavioral Medicine August 2005