Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Apr 9, 2020
Date Accepted: Jun 3, 2020
Date Submitted to PubMed: Jun 12, 2020
An internet-based intervention to face stress during social isolation with guided relaxation and meditation for the Italian population: a randomized controlled study.
ABSTRACT
Background:
Psychophysiological stress and lower well-being are becoming a relevant issue during prolonged social isolation periods. Guided relaxation techniques and meditation practices might provide helpful exercises to cope with anxiety and stressful sensations.
Objective:
The aim of the present protocol is to test whether remote relaxation practices like natural sounds, deep respiration and body scan may promote relaxation and reduce psychomotor activation, anxiety, restlessness, stress levels related to the COVID-19 pandemics.
Methods:
The study consists of 3 experimental groups which randomly receive audio traces with a single session of guided breathing exercise, guided body scan exercise, or natural sounds. The groups listen to the traced for 7 minutes and pre-post fulfil questionnaires on worries, anxiety and emotional state. At the end of the session, qualitative reports on subjective experience are asked too.
Results:
The analysis will test the difference in efficacy between audio traces in an internet-based intervention and investigate whether natural sounds or remote guided practices like deep respiration and body scan promote relaxation and reduce psychomotor activation, anxiety, restlessness, stress levels related to the COVID-19 pandemics.
Conclusions:
The study will provide information on if and to what extent guided practices can help in reducing psychological side-effects related to COVID-19 social isolation.
Citation
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Copyright
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