A longitudinal study of some physiological parameters and autogenic training

Area of Science:

• Psychophysiology
• Mind-body interventions

Background:

• Autogenic training (AT) is a self-relaxation technique.
• Previous research suggests AT influences physiological processes.
• Long-term effects of AT on adolescent physiology require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term physiological effects of autogenic training (AT) in normal high-school girls.
• To compare physiological changes in an AT group versus a control group over 4.5 months.

Main Methods:

• A 4.5-month study involving two groups of normal high-school girls: one practicing AT, the other serving as a control.
• Measurement of physiological parameters including finger skin temperature, finger blood flow, electroencephalogram (EEG), microvibration (MV), and respiration rate.
• Analysis of changes within and between groups over the study period.

Main Results:

• The AT group exhibited significant increases in finger skin temperature compared to the control group.
• Subjects experiencing hand warmth during AT showed greater finger blood flow.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis revealed increased slow-wave (delta, theta) and decreased fast-wave (alpha, beta) activity in the AT group.
• Some individuals in the AT group showed marked decreases in respiration rate, independent of specific breathing exercises.

Conclusions:

• Autogenic training (AT) induces gradual, long-term physiological changes in adolescents.
• These adaptations, including altered temperature regulation and brain activity, appear to be maintained between training sessions.
• AT demonstrates potential as an intervention for promoting sustained psychophysiological well-being.