Effects of relaxation training and music in Parkinson's disease

Author(s): Klecker, J., Pfeiffer, B., Annecke, R., Ulm, G., Ellgring, H.

Journal/Book: Verhaltenstherapie. 2000; 10: Allschwilerstrasse 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland. Karger. 25-30.

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to compare subjective and objective effects of systematic relaxation training with listening to classical music in patients suffering from idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD). Participants and Methods: A group of patients (n = 12) received Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training (Jacobson), respiratory relaxation and rest images, another group of 12 patients listened to Mozart tunes. Under each condition five 20-minute sessions were carried out on 5 consecutive days. Before and after each session, patients rated subjective in tensity of tremor, rigidity, akinesia, and mental and bodily relaxation. In addition, motor behavior was assessed by tremormeter and tapping rate before and after each session. Results: Whereas in both groups subjective variables improved after the training sessions, no changes were found in objectively assessed motor behavior. Relaxation training and music did not differ significantly with regard to these effects. Analysis of individual reactions showed that a high proportion of patients reacted positively to relaxation training and music in subjective and objective variables. Conclusion: The results indicate that relaxation and music may be used to reduce subjective stress induced by motor symptoms in PD. Implications for further studies and for psychological interventions in PD are discussed.

Note: Article Macht M, Univ Wurzburg, Psychol Inst 1, Domerschuistr 13, D-97070 Wurzburg, GERMANY

Keyword(s): relaxation training; Parkinson's disease; psychological intervention; music

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