Generalized Isometric Sustained Contraction During Apnea Combined with Relaxation for Anxiety: A First Evaluation

There are several somatic techniques for reducing anxiety through relaxation, i.e., the reduction of tension. Tension is an important component and corresponds, in the primordial mechanism of fear, to the pre-encounter immobilizing alert state of the defense cascade. It is hypothesized that an energetic generalized muscular activation, such as that used to face a fighting (circa-strike), can correct the immobilizing tension and counteract anxiety.

To evaluate the degree of effectiveness against anxiety and anxiety attacks of a technique based on a phase of sustained, generalized muscular activation followed by relaxation.

During a private outpatient clinical practice, selected subjects suffering from various anxiety disorders were offered the opportunity to try a technique for controlling anxiety attacks. They were instructed to activate a generalized isometric sustained contraction in apnea (GISCA), followed by a generalized relaxation (GISCA+relax), to be implemented as needed during an anxiety attack. The subjects were asked to apply the maneuver in alternation, in different episodes, with a generalized relaxation. They were asked to evaluate, after repeated use, the following aspects: a) whether GISCA+relax helped in controlling anxiety, b) if the addition of the GISCA phase was more effective than generalized relaxation alone, and c) if the GISCA phase facilitated the acquisition of the subsequent generalized relaxation.

The results concern the first 20 patients who were allowed a complete evaluation. A substantial majority of them (75%) reported that the complete maneuver (GISCA+relax) helped in controlling anxiety and anxiety attacks, and that was more effective than generalized relaxation alone and facilitated its acquisition.

Compared to relaxation techniques, GISCA+relax offers the advantage of easier application in acute situations, such as during an anxiety attack or in anticipation of anxiety-provoking events (e.g., performance anxiety). However, a sustained generalized contraction is physical exercise, with the positive effects of any non-traumatic physical activity on health-related fitness.

These first data, although on a limited number of patients, suggest that the proposed maneuver can help control anxiety. This new somatic behavioral approach likely counteracts anxiety by activating a primordial defense mechanism. Since it can be acquired by patients with sufficient simplicity, it is suggested that it could be considered an alternative to other somatic techniques or the use of as-needed medications.