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Kaluza, G. & Strempel, I. (1995). Training in relaxation and visual imagery with patients with open angle glaucoma. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Health, 1(4), 261 - 273.
Abstract:
In this study we investigated the effects of a training in relaxation and visual imagery given to patients suffering from primary open angle glaucoma. Twenty three patients, aged 24 to 69 years, were assigned either to a training group or to a waiting-list control group. The treatment included a basic programme (BP) of standard autogenic relaxation exercises and an advanced programme (AP) in which special exercises in ocular relaxation and imagination of acqueous humour drainage were conducted. Intraocular pressure (IOP), diastolic and systolic blood pressure as well as heart rate were measured before and after each training session. 24h-IOP-profiles were ascertained during clinical assessments prior to the training, in the interval between the BP and the AP, and after termination of the training. Also the water drinking test to provoke maximum IOP-levels was performed and psychological questionaires of depression, anxiety and physical complaints were filled in by the patients. Results on short-term changes indicate only slight improvements of IOP-levels following each training session. However, during the course of the BP as well as of the AP a significant decrease of IOP was detected. 24h-profiles as well as the water drinking test also showed significant reductions of IOP across time. Medication was reduced for 56% of the initially treated patients. The findings suggest that relaxation and visual imagery techniques can be beneficial in reducing elevated IOP-levels in patients with open angle glaucoma.
Key words: open angle glaucoma - autogenic relaxation - visual imagination - group training
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