Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenic training (AT) are effective relaxation techniques to reduce depressive symptoms. However, no studies on their effectiveness have been conducted among people living with HIV and depressive symptoms. The primary aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of PMR and AT interventions among people living with HIV who have depressive symptoms. A secondary aim was to assess the potential effectiveness of these interventions on depressive symptoms and quality of life.
This study was a three-arm pilot randomized control trial with mixed methods. Participants were randomized to PMR, AT, or control group (CG), with four assessments (baseline, one-, three-, and six-month). The PMR and AT interventions consisted of six one-hour sessions of individual training over 12 weeks and home practice. Recruitment, attrition, and completion rates were calculated. Depressive symptoms and quality of life were assessed at all times. Participants' perceptions of the interventions were collected in semi-structured interviews.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
42
PMR involves learning to identify the tension in specific muscle groups by tightening and relaxing each muscle group. It includes three different exercises: 1) contraction-relaxation of 12 large muscle groups in the arms, legs, and trunk; 2) identification and relaxation of tensions without the need for movement or contractions; and 3) contraction-relaxation of 12 small muscle groups in the neck, eyes, and mouth
AT is a relaxation technique that is based on body attitude, reduction of exterior stimulation, inner concentration, and mental repetition of verbal formulas \[28\]. These formulas are organized into six exercises: 1) heaviness; 2) warmth; 3) calm and regular heart function; 4) self-regulation of respiration; 5) warmth in the upper abdominal area; and 6) agreeable cooling of the forehead.
Research center CHUM
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Change from baseline in depressive symptoms measured with Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) assessed at 3 months
Depressive symptoms at 3 months will be measured with Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Time frame: baseline and 3 months
Change from baseline in depressive symptoms measured with Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) assessed at 6 months
Depressive symptoms at 6 months will be measured with Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Time frame: baseline and 6 months
Change from baseline in depressive symptoms measured with Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)assessed at 1 month
Depressive symptoms at 1 month will be measured with Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Time frame: baseline and 1 month
Change from baseline in quality of life measured with (MOS-HIV) Medical Outcome Study-HIV assessed at 6 months
Quality of life at 6 months will be measured with MOS-HIV) Medical Outcome Study-HIV
Time frame: baseline and 6 months
Change from baseline in quality of life measured with MOS-HIV) Medical Outcome Study-HIV assessed at 3 months
Quality of life at 3 months will be measured with MOS-HIV) Medical Outcome Study-HIV
Time frame: baseline and 3 months
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