Controlled examination of effects of progressive relaxation training on seizure reduction

Epilepsia. 1992 Jul-Aug;33(4):675-80. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1992.tb02346.x.

Abstract

We determined the efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation in reducing seizure frequency. Subjects were 24 people with epilepsy attending an urban neurology clinic. The experimental design consisted of an 8-week baseline period, a treatment period of six sessions of progressive relaxation training (PRT, n = 13) or quiet sitting (QS, n = 11) and an 8-week follow up. In the PRT group, 11 subjects reported a decrease in seizure frequency (p less than 0.01), and in the QS group, 7 reported a decrease (p greater than 0.05). The mean decrease in seizure frequency was 29% for the PRT group (p less than 0.01) but only 3% for the QS group (p greater than 0.05). This is the fifth recent report of a controlled study documenting the success of progressive relaxation therapy in seizure reduction. PRT is inexpensive and noninvasive and facilitates patient participation. Such a technique should be incorporated into clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Educational Status
  • Epilepsy / prevention & control
  • Epilepsy / therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupations
  • Relaxation Therapy*
  • Social Class
  • Treatment Outcome