Benson Relaxation for Anxiety and Depression After Stroke

Overview

This study tests whether Benson Relaxation Technique (BRT), a simple mind-body relaxation method, can help reduce anxiety and depression in patients who had an ischemic stroke 7-14 days ago. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the BRT group (receiving 20-minute relaxation sessions twice daily for 2 weeks) or a control group (receiving health education sessions of the same duration). We will measure anxiety and depression using standard questionnaires, and use near-infrared brain imaging to see if BRT changes brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. The goal is to find a safe, non-drug way to improve mood in early stroke recovery.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Many patients experience anxiety and depression in the early recovery phase, which can slow rehabilitation. Medications for mood symptoms may have side effects, especially in acute stroke patients. Benson Relaxation Technique (BRT) is a non-pharmacological mind-body intervention involving breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. This single-center, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the short-term effects of BRT on anxiety, depression, sleep quality, quality of life, and prefrontal brain function in patients 7-14 days after ischemic stroke. A total of 74 participants will be randomly assigned to either the BRT group or a structured health education control group. Interventions will be delivered twice daily for 20 minutes over 14 days. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline (T0) and post-intervention (T1, day 14). Primary outcomes are anxiety and depression scores (HADS). Secondary outcomes include sleep quality (PSQI), stroke-specific quality of life (SS-QOL), and resting-state prefrontal functional connectivity measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).