自律訓練法, ジェイコブソンの漸進的弛緩法および腹式呼吸法の生理学的研究

It is commonly recognized that Autogenic Training (AT) is nsed effectively for the treatment of neuroses and psychosomatic disorders, etc. The Jacobson's progressive relaxation (Jacobson's) is also effective and it is easier than AT for learing relaxation. The Abdominal Breathing (AB) which is an oriental method derived from Zen or Yoga is also effective for relaxation. The purpose of our experiment was to evaluate physiological changes induced by these relaxation methods. The experimental data were derived from plethysmogram of the middle finger and the ear-lobe, pulse rate and respiration curve during the period of respective relaxation. AT group consisted of 7 males and 5 females, Jacobson's group of 5 males and 7 females and AB group of 11 males and 2 females. The control group consisted of 5 males and 7 females who did not use any of these methods. Each experimental group was trained with its respective method. All subjects reported that they could relax well during their relaxation. The subjects were instructed first to lie in the supine position for 5 min. without using any relaxation method, then relax for IO rnin. with the use of their respective method, and then just to relax for 5 min. While the amplitude of plethysmogram of the middle finger showed marked decrease in AB group, it increased in AT and Jacobson's groups during the training. However, the pattern of plethysmogram was reversed after the training, that is, it increased in AB group and decreased in AT and Jacobson's groups. The plethysmogram of the ear-lobe showed a relatively similar pattern to that of the middle finger. The respiration rate during AB decreased markedly (13. 5→3.5per min.), while its amplitude increased. The respiration rate also decreased slightly in AT group but no definite changes were found in Jacobson's group. Although these three methods may be almost the same as to their intention for relaxation, the changes of plethysmogram make distinct differences between the western method (AT, Jacobson's) and the oriental method (AB).