OBJECTIVES: We attempted to develop an effective behavioral treatment for menopausal hot flushes and to determine the active behavioral components of this procedure. STUDY DESIGN:Thirty-three women with frequent menopausal hot flushes were randomly assigned to receive eight sessions of training in paced respiration, muscle relaxation, or alpha-wave electroencephalographic biofeedback (placebo control). Hot flushes were objectively measured by means of 24-hour ambulatory monitoring of the sternal skin conductance level. RESULTS: Subjects undergoing paced respiration had significant reductions in hot flush frequency and respiration rate, as well as increases in tidal volume. CONCLUSION:Paced respiration training may be a useful treatment alternative for the reduction of hot flushes in women who cannot tolerate hormone replacement therapy.
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OBJECTIVES: We attempted to develop an effective behavioral treatment for menopausal hot flushes and to determine the active behavioral components of this procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-three women with frequent menopausal hot flushes were randomly assigned to receive eight sessions of training in paced respiration, muscle relaxation, or alpha-wave electroencephalographic biofeedback (placebo control). Hot flushes were objectively measured by means of 24-hour ambulatory monitoring of the sternal skin conductance level. RESULTS: Subjects undergoing paced respiration had significant reductions in hot flush frequency and respiration rate, as well as increases in tidal volume. CONCLUSION: Paced respiration training may be a useful treatment alternative for the reduction of hot flushes in women who cannot tolerate hormone replacement therapy.
Authors: James W Carson; Kimberly M Carson; Laura S Porter; Francis J Keefe; Victoria L Seewaldt Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2009-02-12 Impact factor: 3.603