[Usefulness of relaxation techniques for patients with ischaemic cardiopathy: intervention in a health district]

(Utilidad de las técnicas de relajación aplicadas a pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica: intervención.)

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a programme of relaxation used in primary care for patients with ischaemic cardiopathy (IC) through evaluation of the anxiety levels and the quality of life of these patients. DESIGN: Controlled intervention study without randomisation. SETTING: Two primary care teams in the city of Sabadell. PARTICIPANTS: Patients from 15 to 69 years old with IC: intervention group (IG), 57 patients; control group (CG), 47. Interventions. In the IG, conventional treatment and relaxation techniques (RT). In the CG, conventional treatment. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Degree of anxiety was measured by means of the STAI scale-questionnaire. Quality of life was measured by means of the SF-36 health questionnaire. Blood pressure and smoking were recorded. RESULTS: At 12 months, 70% of patients practised relaxation at least for a short time. In the IG, anxiety dropped significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months, especially the anxiety characteristics scale, which was still significant at 12 months (P=.002). Quality of life at 3 and 6 months in the IG showed better scores in most dimensions except body pain. At 12 months, scores continued to be better than at the start (social function P=.012), except in the mental health dimension. No significant changes were found in blood pressure or tobacco consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that an RT workshop in primary care is beneficial if correctly applied and leads to improved quality of life.

Author information

Author/s: Vilà, R (R); Benedicto, Mr (M); Pujadas, C (C); Gómez, M (M); Franzi, A (A); Rodríguez, L (L); Juncosa, S (S);

Affiliation: ABS Creu de Barberà, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain. abs.sabadell6(-atsign-)sabadell.scs.es

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study; Controlled Clinical Trial; English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Atencion primaria / Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (Aten Primaria), published in Spain. (Language: spa)

Reference: 2005-Jun; vol 36 (issue 2) : pp 78-84

Dates: Created 2005/07/01; Completed 2005/10/20; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 15989829, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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