A Prospective Study Investigating the Use of Relaxation Prior to Medical Procedures.
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Anxiety, Anxiety, Chronic Pain |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Musculoskeletal, Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 14 - Any |
| Updated: | 12/23/2018 |
| Start Date: | August 2015 |
| End Date: | January 10, 2017 |
A Prospective Study Investigating the Use of Relaxation Prior to Medical Procedures
The primary aim is to investigate the efficacy of Buddhify relaxation therapy in reducing the
stress and anxiety levels of patients. The secondary aim is to investigate the effect of
prior stress and anxiety levels on the perceived pain level of undergoing a medical
procedure, reported post-procedure.
stress and anxiety levels of patients. The secondary aim is to investigate the effect of
prior stress and anxiety levels on the perceived pain level of undergoing a medical
procedure, reported post-procedure.
Undergoing medical procedures is reported to cause stress and anxiety among many
individuals.This can trigger the sympathetic nervous response, including decreased skin
temperature, increased pulse, and increased blood pressure. While evolutionary advantageous,
this response has deleterious effects on the healing process. Heightened stress levels can
also trigger an increased release of cortisol, a naturally produced steroid hormone known to
hinder the immune response. In response to high levels of stress, a patient's tolerance for
pain decreases and the perceived pain level increases.
Relaxation techniques can assist in reducing the stress and anxiety levels of a patient,
which allows for lower perceived pain and more rapid healing. Many relaxation techniques
exist, including acupuncture, child life intervention, breathing therapy and guided imagery.
Buddhify, a mobile application, incorporates breathing therapy and audio-guided imagery into
brief relaxation sessions, with the goal of reducing the stress and anxiety levels of the
user. This application presents a convenient option for patients to use prior to undergoing a
procedure. If proven to be effective, this application could be more widely used to help
reduce the stress level, anxiety level and subsequent perceived pain level of patients,
ultimately improving their healing reaction.
individuals.This can trigger the sympathetic nervous response, including decreased skin
temperature, increased pulse, and increased blood pressure. While evolutionary advantageous,
this response has deleterious effects on the healing process. Heightened stress levels can
also trigger an increased release of cortisol, a naturally produced steroid hormone known to
hinder the immune response. In response to high levels of stress, a patient's tolerance for
pain decreases and the perceived pain level increases.
Relaxation techniques can assist in reducing the stress and anxiety levels of a patient,
which allows for lower perceived pain and more rapid healing. Many relaxation techniques
exist, including acupuncture, child life intervention, breathing therapy and guided imagery.
Buddhify, a mobile application, incorporates breathing therapy and audio-guided imagery into
brief relaxation sessions, with the goal of reducing the stress and anxiety levels of the
user. This application presents a convenient option for patients to use prior to undergoing a
procedure. If proven to be effective, this application could be more widely used to help
reduce the stress level, anxiety level and subsequent perceived pain level of patients,
ultimately improving their healing reaction.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients aged 14 and older undergoing an invasive procedure by Dr. Gianmichel Corrado
at the Division of Sports Medicine of Boston Children's Hospital.
Exclusion Criteria:
We found this trial at
1
site
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
Principal Investigator: Gianmichel Corrado, MD
Phone: 617-355-4636
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