The effect of tape-recorded relaxation training on well-being, symptoms, and peak expiratory flow rate in adult asthmatics: A pilot study

Evidence indicates that psychological stress plays a role in precipitating and exacerbating asthma symptoms and suggests that relaxation techniques ai med at reducing stress and autonomic arousal leads to symptom reduction. Th is study explored the effect of a tape-recorded relaxation intervention on well-being (mood and stressors), asthma symptoms, and a measure of pulmonar y function (PEFR). Twenty adult asthmatics were studied for 21 days in thei r natural environment using a multiple baseline design. Self-administered r elaxation training (including both breathing exercises and muscle relaxatio n) led to decreased negative mood and stressor report. Reporting of asthma symptoms decreased over time, and PEFR was increased by relaxation training . Asthma medication use was unchanged. Results suggest that tape-recorded r elaxation training positively impacts wellbeing, asthma symptoms, and PEFR in a naturalistic setting. Further study of the potential use of inexpensiv e tape-recorded interventions in chronic illness is warranted.