Abstract
Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) has been used for many years by researchers and members of the public to produce relaxation and related benefits. Since flotation REST reportedly enhances attainment of a relaxed yet focused state, it was hypothesized that in combination with Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) training, flotation REST would have a beneficial effect on chronic muscle contraction headache sufferers. Six men and twenty-five women who experienced at least three muscle contraction or tension headaches per week were randomly assigned to one of 4 conditions in the 4 week program: soundproof room, flotation tank and room, tank plus PMR, or room plus PMR. Mean reductions from the baseline headache index (measure of frequency, intensity and duration) across groups were 32% at end of treatment, 15% at 2 months, 31% at 4 months, and 57% at 6 months. The flotation TANK + PMR Training group reported the greatest reduction (74%) at 6 months. No significant differences were found between intervention conditions. There was a significant difference within subjects across time.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Andrasik, F., Holroyd, K.A. & Abell, T. Prevalence of headache within a college student population: A preliminary analysis. Headache, 1980, 19, 384–387.
Blanchard, E.B. & Ândrasik, F. Psychological assessment and treatment of headache: Recent developments and emerging issues. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1982, 50, 859–879.
Blanchard, E.B., Andrasik, F., Ahles, T.A., Teders, S.J. & O’Keefe, D.M. Migraine and Tension Headache: A meta-analytic review. Behavior Therapy 1980, 11, 613–631.
Caviness, V.S. & O’Brien, P. Current concept: Headache. New England Journal of Medicine. 1980, 302(8). 446–450.
Diamond, S. Headache: Its diagnosis and measurement. Headache. 1979, 19(3). 113.
Engstrom, D.R. Hypnotic Susceptibility, EEG-Alpha and Self-Regulation. In Consciousness and Self-Regulation, Vol. 1 (G.E. Schwartz & D. Shapiro (Eds.), New York, NY: Plenum, 1976.
Epstein, L.H. & Abel, G.C. An analysis of biofeedback training effects for tension headache patients. Behavior Therapy. 1977, 8, 37–47.
Fine, T.H. & Turner, J.W., Jr. The effect of brief Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy in the treatment of essential hypertension. Behavior Research and Therapy. 1982, 20, 567–570.
Forgays, D.G. & Belinson, M.J. Is flotation isolation a relaxing environment? Journal of Environmental Psychology. 1986, 6, 19–34.
Friedman, A.P. Nature of headache. Headache. 1979, 19(3). 163–167.
Jacobs, G.D., Heilbronner, R.L. & Stanley, J.M. The effects of short term flotation REST on relaxation: A controlled study. Health Psychology. 1984, 3, 99–111.
Kristeller, J.L., Schwartz, G.E. & Black, H. The use of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) in the treatment of essential hypertension: two case studies. Behavior Research and Therapy. 1982, 20, 561–566.
Lilly, J.C. The Deep Self. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1977.
McNair, D.M., Lorr, M. & Droppleman, L.F. EITS Manual for the Profile of Mood States, (POMS). San Diego, CA: Educational and Industrial Testing Service.
Morell, D.C. Symptom interpretation in general practice. Journal of Royal College of General Practice. 1972, 22, 297–309.
Newland, C.A., Illis, L.S., Robinson, P.K., Batchelor, B.G. & Waters, W.E. A survey of headaches in an English city. Headache. 1978, 5, 1–20.
Phillips, C.A. A psychological analysis of tension headache. In S. Rachman (Ed.) Contributions to Medical Psychology. Vol. 1, New York, NY: Pergamon Press, 1977.
Pikoff, H. Is the muscular model of headache still viable? A review of conflicting data. Headache, 1984, 24, 186–198.
Spielberger, C., Gorsuch, R.L. & Lushene, R.E. Manual for State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologist Press, 1979.
Suedfeld, P. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Clinical Applications. New York: Wiley, 1980.
Suedfeld, P., Roy, C. & Landon, P.B. Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy in the treatment of essential hypertension. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 1982, 20, 553–559.
Turner, J.W., Jr. & Fine, T.H. Use of a Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (REST) for induction of relaxation: Effects on plasma Cortisol, ACTH and LH. Presented at the Society for Behavioral Medicine, 3rd Annual Meeting, March, 1982.
West, S. The hell in my head. Hippocrates, 1987, 1, 33–45.
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1990 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Rzewnicki, R., Wallbaum, A.B.C., Steele, H., Suedfeld, P. (1990). REST for Muscle Contraction Headaches: A Comparison of Two REST Environments Combined with Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training. In: Suedfeld, P., Turner, J.W., Fine, T.H. (eds) Restricted Environmental Stimulation. Recent Research in Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9701-4_15
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9701-4_15
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-97348-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-9701-4
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive