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Fine body movement during autogenic training. Longitudinal and short-term changes
Biofeedback and Self-Regulation
|December 1, 1977
Summary
Autogenic training (AT) significantly reduced fine body movement in high school girls over several months. This relaxation technique shows promise for improving self-regulation, as measured by a static sensograph.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Fine body movement can reflect an individual's state of relaxation or arousal.
- Quantifying subtle physiological changes is crucial for understanding the efficacy of relaxation techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of autogenic training (AT) on fine body movement in adolescent females.
- To assess the utility of a static sensograph in measuring changes associated with relaxation practices.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of normal high school girls were studied over several months.
- One group received weekly autogenic training (AT) instructions and daily practice; the other served as a control.
- A static sensograph measured fine body movement in a seated position with eyes closed.
Main Results:
- The AT group exhibited a significant decrease in mean body movement across sessions.
- Body movement in the AT group was significantly lower at 3 and 4.5 months compared to baseline.
- The AT group showed reduced movement during AT practice compared to preceding and succeeding periods in later sessions.
Conclusions:
- Autogenic training (AT) effectively reduces fine body movement in adolescent females.
- The static sensograph is a viable tool for assessing the physiological effects of AT and other relaxation procedures.
- Findings suggest AT may enhance self-regulation and reduce psychophysiological arousal.