The effect of psychophysiologic self-regulation on running economy

The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological effects of eliciting the relaxation response during exercise. Nine adult females volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects received 30 minutes of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) instructions per session for eight sessions. During the week following PMR, the subjects exercised for 30 minutes of continuous activity on the treadmill. The first and third 10 minutes of exercise were control periods. During the second 10 minutes (treatment period), the subjects elicited the relaxation response. Oxygen consumption and related measures were determined using the Beckman Metabolic Measurement Cart. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. During the treatment period, there were significant (p<0.05) decreases in Fb, Ve, SBP, and RPP when compared to the two control periods. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences in Vt, VO2, VCO2, RER, and HR. This study showed that the elicitation of the relaxation response during exercise did not decrease submaximal VO2 and, therefore, did not alter running economy. Statistically significant changes in ventilation and blood pressure were associated with the elicitation of the relaxation response during exercise. Regarding the latter findings, there is ample evidence that a reduction in RPP has a positive and unequivocal beneficial influence on the work of the heart during exercise.