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Relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation: a scoping review
Pia Rings1, Juliana Dziurla2, Tine Van Damme3
1Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapeutic Sciences, Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Bochum, Germany; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. pia.rings@hs-bochum.de.
Objective:
To offer a comprehensive synthesis that maps current research on relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation settings.
Methods:
The review was registered (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/QD4TM) and followed the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. Six databases were searched from inception to August 2025. Eligible sources examined interventions aiming to induce a physiological relaxation response within neurological rehabilitation contexts. Two reviewers independently screened records and appraised study quality.
Results:
63 sources were included. The findings reveal a heterogeneous evidence landscape, within which several patterns emerge. Relaxation interventions have most frequently been studied in people with multiple sclerosis and stroke. They are generally reported as feasible and well accepted, but often adapted to specific functional needs and preferences. Outcomes were primarily assessed at the level of body structure and function domain, particularly psychological functioning. Key gaps in the evidence base include limited research into less prevalent conditions, few qualitative designs and comparative effectiveness studies, as well as limited assessment of outcomes relating to perceived and physiological stress, activities, and participation.
Conclusion:
By mapping the existing literature on relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation settings, the review offers a structured synthesis of the field and informs both clinical decision-making and the prioritization of future research.