Paper Details

  1. Home
  2. Paper Details

Placebo-controlled evaluation of abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation and of relaxation combined with cognitive therapy in the treatment of tension headache.

Author: AppelbaumK A, AttanasioV, BlanchardE B, EvansD D, GuarnieriP, HillhouseJ, KirschC, MichultkaD, MorrillB, RadnitzC L

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Overview

This study compared the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), PMR with cognitive therapy, a placebo (pseudomeditation), and no treatment in 66 patients with tension headaches. Both PMR alone and PMR with cognitive therapy led to significant improvement in headache frequency and severity compared to the control groups. While both active treatments were effective, there was a trend suggesting that adding cognitive therapy to PMR might lead to greater improvements. The study concludes that both PMR and PMR with cognitive therapy are effective treatments for tension headaches.
Paper Details　
Original Abstract of the Article :
Sixty-six tension headache patients were randomly assigned to one of four conditions for 8 weeks: (a) progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) alone; (b) PMR plus cognitive therapy (PMR + Cog); (c) pseudomeditation, a credible attention-placebo control; or (d) continued headache monitoring. A comparison ...See full text at original site
Dr.Camel IconDr.Camel's Paper Summary Blogラクダ博士について

ラクダ博士は、Health Journal が論文の内容を分かりやすく解説するために作成した架空のキャラクターです。
難解な医学論文を、専門知識のない方にも理解しやすいように、噛み砕いて説明することを目指しています。

* ラクダ博士による解説は、あくまで論文の要点をまとめたものであり、原論文の完全な代替となるものではありません。詳細な内容については、必ず原論文をご参照ください。
* ラクダ博士は架空のキャラクターであり、実際の医学研究者や医療従事者とは一切関係がありません。
* 解説の内容は Health Journal が独自に解釈・作成したものであり、原論文の著者または出版社の見解を反映するものではありません。


引用元：
https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.58.2.210

データ提供：米国国立医学図書館（NLM）

Tension Headaches: A Journey Towards Relief

Tension headaches are a common ailment, causing significant discomfort and impacting quality of life. This study investigates two approaches to treatment: progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and a combination of PMR with cognitive therapy. The authors sought to understand the effectiveness of these methods by comparing them to a credible attention-placebo control. Their research sheds light on the benefits of relaxation techniques in managing tension headaches.

Relaxation and Cognitive Therapy: A Winning Combination

The research indicates that both PMR and the combined approach of PMR plus cognitive therapy yielded positive outcomes in reducing headache activity. The study's analysis revealed significant improvements in headache index, suggesting a reduction in headache frequency and intensity. Additionally, both treatment groups experienced a noticeable decrease in headache medication consumption.

Finding Balance: A Holistic Approach to Headache Relief

The study suggests that relaxation techniques, particularly when combined with cognitive therapy, offer a valuable tool for managing tension headaches. It emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach, combining physical relaxation with mental coping strategies.

Dr. Camel's Conclusion

Tension headaches are like sandstorms, swirling and disrupting our sense of peace. This research, like an oasis in the desert, provides a respite from this discomfort. By understanding the benefits of relaxation techniques and the power of our own minds, we can find a path towards a calmer state of being.

Date :
  1. Date Completed 1990-06-14
  2. Date Revised 2019-08-17
Further Info :

Pubmed ID

2186066

DOI: Digital Object Identifier

10.1037//0022-006x.58.2.210

Related Literature

Article Analysis
・Effective treatment of headache
SNS
PICO Info
in preparation
Languages

English

Positive IndicatorAn AI analysis index that serves as a benchmark for how positive the results of the study are. Note that it is a benchmark and requires careful interpretation and consideration of different perspectives.

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.