The effect of relaxation techniques on anxiety of patients with myocardial infarction

¯Abstract Background: The myocardial infarction (MI) is the result of the present world situation and the patients suffering from this clinical condition are among those who are in need of the relaxation techniques. Objective: To determine the effect of relaxation therapy on the anxiety of patients with MI. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 45 patients who had MI and were admitted to CCU wards in hospitals affiliated to Ministry of Health (Tehran) during the period of 2000- 2001. The patients were randomly divided into three groups of Suggestion, Imagination and Talking. Prior to employment of the said techniques, the patients’ anxiety was recorded through the Spielberger Standard Questionnaire and the demographic and vital signs of each patient was also registered. The said techniques were applied to different groups for three consecutive days and the vital signs were checked and recorded at the end of each session. On the day 3, each patient was also requested to fill in the anxiety questionnaire (Standard) again. Findings: The data was indicative of a statically significant difference (P<0.01) between vital signs (systolic/diastolic blood pressure, pulse and breathing ) and also between the states of anxiety pre- and post application of the techniques (P<0.01). Conclusion: All three techniques were shown to be effective on reduction of patients’ anxiety. Nevertheless, the application of talking technique produced more prominent response compared to other techniques.