Relax and Breathe Deeply: A Quick Relaxation Training for People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) suffer from dyspnoea, which may be increased by anxiety, depression and low-grade quality of life. Previous studies suggest that relaxation techniques may have positive effects on pulmonary rehabilitation. The main aim of this study is to explore the clinical impact of a quick, one-session, relaxation training for people with COPD. 39 subjects with COPD were recruited and randomly assigned to either listen to a relaxing audio or to watch a neutral stimulus, during their routine exams. Subjects were assessed before and after the intervention, for psychological and physiological variables. Subjects who did the relaxation training showed more positive outcomes in their respiratory and cardiac assessments, as well as in assessments of state anxiety and positive affect in comparison with the baseline and the control group. Results suggest that relaxation has the potential to lead to improvements in respiratory and cardiac functions, as well as increase positive affect and reduce anxiety.