The effect of a relaxation technique on coronary risk factors.

This study examined the effect of a relaxation technique on plasma lipids, weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Sixteen outpatient males were randomly assigned to control or experimental groups. The experimental group was taught a relaxation technique that they used throughout the study. The control group was started in a reading program. Subjects were followed by a nurse practitioner and dietitian for eight weeks. Results revealed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and a marginally significant reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the experimental group. Both control and experimental groups self-reported high compliance with diet and adherence to prescribed intervention. State anxiety was found to be inversely related to changes in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.