[Chronobiologic aspects of autogenic training. Thermometric findings of autogenic training in relation to diurnal periodicity in autonomic dystonia patients].

In a cohort of patients suffering from neuro-dystonia a group of test subjects well acquainted with the techniques of autogenous training and another consisting of patients unfamiliar with these techniques were compared with regard to the rise in the skin temperature in their fingers at various times of the day. Furthermore, the connection between the personal perception of warmth of the test subjects during autogenous training and the actually measured increase the temperature was observed: 1. In the test group as well as among the controls two different patterns of reaction with regard to diurnal fluctuations of the skin temperature occurred which were interpreted as so-called "morning types" and "evening types" respectively. 2. The increase in temperature induced by autogenous training in the test group was always higher than the one in the group of controls. 3. Subject to the circadian reaction pattern of the skin temperature there were fluctuations related to the actual time of day with regard to the increases in temperature induced by autogenous training. 4. There was merely a "slight" correlation between the personal experience or warmth and the measured temperature increase, and the intensity of the temperature experience seems to be influenced more by the relative initial value of the skin temperature than by the objectifyable temperature increase. These results are discussed with regard to practical consequences for the acquisition of autogenous training and its therapeutic application with neuro-dystonic patients.