| Methods |
RCT (parallel design).
Randomisation method: not stated. Outcome measurement method: described but not stated if blinded.
Withdrawals and dropouts: described.
Jadad score 2. |
| Participants |
153 eligible after telephone screening. 106 randomised after further screening. 72 completed. Intervention 1‐ 25, Intervention 2‐ 26, Control‐ 21.
Age: 18‐65 years.
Sex: Male 51, female 55.
Physician confirmed diagnosis of asthma.
Severity: mild to moderate (on average), numbers not stated.
Setting: Not clear but may have been hospital clinic in USA, may have several centres.
Inclusion criteria: Physician diagnosed asthma by history, physical examination, measurement of diffusion capacity and spirometry; Bronchial hyperreactivity to methacholine challenge test.
Exclusion criteria: Gross psychopathology, psychoactive medications, smokers, pregnant women, prior exposure to any form of relaxation therapy, asthma triggered only by exposure to specific easily avoided allergens, pulmonary disease other than asthma. |
| Interventions |
Intervention 1: Progressive muscle relaxation.
Intervention 2 : listening to relaxing music.
Control (waiting list).
8 sessions with one hour a day at home (of intervention) in between sessions. Length of programme not given.
Interventions delivered by 'relaxation therapist'. |
| Outcomes |
Methacholine challenge test results, FEV1, FVC, Peak flow, FEF50, asthma symptom checklist (Kinsman et al 1973), relaxation questionnaire (9 point Likert scale), daily medication consumption and symptoms as reported in a log, Semantic differential rating (Osgood, 1957) of treatment and relationship with relaxation therapist and respiratory physician.
Outcomes for intervention groups measured at baseline and after each session. Control group had three measurement points (time not stated). |
| Notes |
Lung function outcomes presented graphically.
Sample size calculation done. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
Information not available (Cochrane Grade B) |
