Effects of app-based relaxation techniques on perceived momentary relaxation: Observational data analysis in people with cancer
Journal
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
ISSN
0022-3999
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2024
Author(s)
Sonja Schläpfer
George Astakhov
Samuel Pawel
Manuela Eicher
Leonhard Held
Claudia M. Witt
Jürgen Barth
Abstract
Objective
To examine the effects of six relaxation techniques on perceived momentary relaxation and a possible association of relaxation effects with time and practice experience in people with cancer.
Methods
We used data from participants with cancer in a larger study practicing app-based relaxation techniques over 10 weeks, assessed momentary relaxation before and after every third relaxation practice, and analyzed momentary relaxation changes with a linear mixed-effects model.
Results
The sample included 611 before-after observations from 91 participants (70 females (76.9%)) with a mean age of 55.43 years (SD 10.88). We found moderate evidence for variations in momentary relaxation changes across different techniques (P = .026), with short meditation, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation more frequently observed and leading to more relaxation than body scan and walking meditation. Furthermore, we found moderate evidence for increasing momentary relaxation changes over time (P = .046), but no evidence for an association between momentary relaxation and the number of previous observations (proxy for practice experience; P = .47).
Conclusion
We compared six app-based relaxation techniques in a real-life setting of people with cancer. The observed variations in perceived momentary relaxation appear to correspond with the popularity of the techniques used: The most popular relaxation techniques were the most effective and the least popular were the least effective. The effects increased over time, likely caused by dropout of individuals who gained no immediate benefit. Our findings open an interesting avenue for future research to better understand which relaxation techniques work best for whom in which situations.
Trial Registration
DRKS00027546;
https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00027546
To examine the effects of six relaxation techniques on perceived momentary relaxation and a possible association of relaxation effects with time and practice experience in people with cancer.
Methods
We used data from participants with cancer in a larger study practicing app-based relaxation techniques over 10 weeks, assessed momentary relaxation before and after every third relaxation practice, and analyzed momentary relaxation changes with a linear mixed-effects model.
Results
The sample included 611 before-after observations from 91 participants (70 females (76.9%)) with a mean age of 55.43 years (SD 10.88). We found moderate evidence for variations in momentary relaxation changes across different techniques (P = .026), with short meditation, mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation more frequently observed and leading to more relaxation than body scan and walking meditation. Furthermore, we found moderate evidence for increasing momentary relaxation changes over time (P = .046), but no evidence for an association between momentary relaxation and the number of previous observations (proxy for practice experience; P = .47).
Conclusion
We compared six app-based relaxation techniques in a real-life setting of people with cancer. The observed variations in perceived momentary relaxation appear to correspond with the popularity of the techniques used: The most popular relaxation techniques were the most effective and the least popular were the least effective. The effects increased over time, likely caused by dropout of individuals who gained no immediate benefit. Our findings open an interesting avenue for future research to better understand which relaxation techniques work best for whom in which situations.
Trial Registration
DRKS00027546;
https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00027546
Volume
184