PURPOSE: Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, assessed in terms of cortisol levels, may enhance the ability of HIV to infect lymphocytes and downregulate the immune system, accelerating disease progression. This study sought to determine the effects of relaxation techniques on cortisol levels in HIV-seropositive women. METHODS:Women (n = 150) were randomized to a group cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) condition or an individual information condition and underwent 3 types of relaxation training (progressive muscle relaxation, imagery, and autogenic training). Cortisol levels were obtained pre- and postrelaxation. RESULTS: Guided imagery was effective in reducing cortisol in the group condition (t = 3.90, P < .001), and muscle relaxation reduced cortisol in the individual condition (t = 3.1 I, P = .012). Among participants in the group condition attending all sessions, the magnitude of pre- to postsession reduction became greater over time. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that specific relaxation techniques may be partially responsible for cortisol decreases associated with relaxation and CBSM.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, assessed in terms of cortisol levels, may enhance the ability of HIV to infect lymphocytes and downregulate the immune system, accelerating disease progression. This study sought to determine the effects of relaxation techniques on cortisol levels in HIV-seropositivewomen. METHODS:Women (n = 150) were randomized to a group cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) condition or an individual information condition and underwent 3 types of relaxation training (progressive muscle relaxation, imagery, and autogenic training). Cortisol levels were obtained pre- and postrelaxation. RESULTS: Guided imagery was effective in reducing cortisol in the group condition (t = 3.90, P < .001), and muscle relaxation reduced cortisol in the individual condition (t = 3.1 I, P = .012). Among participants in the group condition attending all sessions, the magnitude of pre- to postsession reduction became greater over time. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that specific relaxation techniques may be partially responsible for cortisol decreases associated with relaxation and CBSM.
Authors: Michael H Antoni; Deidre B Pereira; Ilona Marion; Nicole Ennis; Michele Peake Andrasik; Rachel Rose; Judith McCalla; Trudi Simon; Mary Ann Fletcher; Joseph Lucci; Jonell Efantis-Potter; Mary Jo O'Sullivan Journal: J Psychosom Res Date: 2008-10 Impact factor: 3.006
Authors: S K Lutgendorf; M H Antoni; G Ironson; N Klimas; M Kumar; K Starr; P McCabe; K Cleven; M A Fletcher; N Schneiderman Journal: J Consult Clin Psychol Date: 1997-02
Authors: M H Antoni; S August; A LaPerriere; H L Baggett; N Klimas; G Ironson; N Schneiderman; M A Fletcher Journal: Psychosom Med Date: 1990 Sep-Oct Impact factor: 4.312
Authors: D G Cruess; M H Antoni; N Schneiderman; G Ironson; P McCabe; J B Fernandez; S E Cruess; N Klimas; M Kumar Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2000-01 Impact factor: 4.267
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