Comparing two relaxation procedures to ease fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a single-blind randomized controlled trial

Various relaxation procedures have been proposed to reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is unknown, which type of relaxation has the largest effect on fatigue reduction and on autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity.

We aimed to compare two biofeedback-supported relaxation exercises: a deep breathing (DB) exercise and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), which may ameliorate MS fatigue and alter ANS activity.

We performed a single-blind randomized clinical trial, introducing MS patients (n = 34) to the DB or PMR exercise. We first tested cardiovagal integrity, reflected by changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in response to DB. Participants then performed a fatigue-inducing vigilance task, followed by the DB or PMR. State fatigue was recorded consecutively at baseline, after the vigilance task, and after the relaxation exercise, along with HRV reflecting ANS activity.

Only patients assigned to the PMR group experienced a significant drop in fatigue, whereas both relaxation exercises changed ANS activity. MS patients showed the expected autonomic response during the cardiovagal reflex test. The vigilance task elevated short-term feelings of fatigue and significantly reduced HRV parameters of parasympathetic activity. Trait fatigue was negatively correlated with HRV during the second half of the vigilance task.

PMR alleviates short-term feelings of fatigue in persons with MS. The vigilance task in combination with HRV measurements may be helpful for evaluating relaxation procedures as a treatment of fatigue. Hereby, future studies should ensure longer and more frequent relaxation exercises and focus on patients with weak to moderate fatigue.

Trial Registry: DRKS00024358.