A quick relaxation exercise for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: explorative randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) suffer from dyspnoea, which may be increased by anxiety. Previous studies suggest that relaxation techniques may have positive effects in pulmonary rehabilitation. The main aim of this study is to explore the clinical impact of a quick, one-session, relaxation training for people with COPD. METHODS: In this perspective, 38 participants with COPD were recruited and randomly assigned to listen to a relaxing audio or to watch a neutral stimulus, during their routine exams. Participants were assessed for psychological and physiological variables, analysed through non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Those who joined the relaxation training showed more positive outcomes about respiratory and cardiac assessments, as well as for state anxiety and positive affections, in comparison with the baseline and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Study results suggest that relaxation has a potential to produce improvements in respiratory and cardiac functions, together with a positive emotional effect and a reduction of anxiety. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02698904. Record Registration: February 2016.