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Cited by 169Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitationPain Management and Placebo EffectPediatric Pain Management Techniques

Systematic Review of Relaxation Interventions for Pain

Kwekkeboom, Kristine L., Gretarsdottir, Elfa·2006·Journal of Nursing Scholarship
DOI 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2006.00113.x
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Abstract

Purpose: To review randomized trials of relaxation interventions used for the treatment of pain in adults and to synthesize evidence regarding the efficacy of specific techniques. Design: Integrative review. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the terms “relaxation” and “pain” in CINAHL, Medline, and PsychInfo from 1996 to March 2005. Studies were reviewed and categorized based on the type of relaxation intervention (progressive muscle relaxation [PMR], autogenic training, jaw relaxation, rhythmic breathing, and other relaxation exercises), and summarized with respect to various study characteristics and results. Findings: Researchers reported support for relaxation interventions in 8 of the 15 studies reviewed. The most frequently supported technique was progressive muscle relaxation, particularly for arthritis pain. Investigators reported support for jaw relaxation and a systematic relaxation intervention for relieving postoperative pain. Little evidence was found for autogenic training, and no support for rhythmic breathing or other relaxation techniques. Conclusions: Most of the studies reviewed had weaknesses in methodology, which limited the ability to draw conclusions about interventions. Further research is needed to confirm positive findings related to PMR, jaw relaxation, and systematic relaxation, to address questions related to the dose‐response relationship and the individual differences that might influence response to relaxation interventions. These and other relaxation techniques require testing in carefully designed and conducted trials.

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Authors
Kwekkeboom, K. L., & Gretarsdottir, E.
Affiliations
University of Wisconsin–Madison (US)
Corresponding author
  • Kwekkeboom, Kristine L.
  • Gretarsdottir, Elfa
ORCID
Kwekkeboom, Kristine L.
Venue
Journal of Nursing Scholarship
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2006-08-18
Volume
38
Issue
3
Pages
269-277
ISSN
  • 0363-2792 (ISSN-L)
  • 1527-6546
  • 1547-5069
DOI
10.1111/j.1547-5069.2006.00113.x
OpenAlex
W2013059937
Cited by
169
References
27
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 13 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 4
FWCI
0.43
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Journal of Nursing Scholarship (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Pain Management and Placebo Effect
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Pediatric Pain Management Techniques
Keywords
relaxation intervention, pain management, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, jaw relaxation, rhythmic breathing, arthritic pain, postoperative pain, relaxation techniques, treatment efficacy
MeSH terms
Adult, Autogenic Training, Breathing Exercises, Health Services Needs and Demand, Humans, Pain, Pain Measurement, Relaxation Therapy, Research Design, Sensitivity and Specificity, Time Factors, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Treatment Outcome, Cross-Over Studies, Evidence-Based Medicine, Pain Management

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