Contribution of relaxation technique training to the rehabilitation of myocardial infarction patients.

The usefulness of relaxation training (RT) in cardiac rehabilitation is assessed by comparing the changes before and after rehabilitation in two randomly divided groups, one with and the other without relaxation. The psychological effects of RT, in addition to the effects of exercise training, were studied. There is a substantial and positive result on well-being and on feelings of invalidity. Psychological improvement, as a result of exercise only, is not found. The benefits of RT occur more in persons with coronary-prone behavior pattern (type A). In some persons anxiety increases during rehabilitation (about 28%), regardless of RT. There is an indication that relaxation may lead to an increase of functional complaints in a small number of persons, possibly due to sensitization to bodily experiences.