Author(s): Borges, R ; Veiga, G. ; Bravo, J. ; Pereira, C ; Cunha, L ; Cruz-Ferreira, A
Date: 2022
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10174/31741
Origin: Repositório Científico da Universidade de Évora
Subject(s): Meditation; Breathing; Autogenic Training; Children
Introduction: Relaxation is a body regulation response, which allows a reduction in blood pressure, oxygen consumption, respiratory and cardiac rhythms and muscle tension, resulting in a feeling of well-being. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to know the scientific evidence on the effects of relaxation techniques in children (3-12 years), resulting in five studies included. Methods: The assessment of methodological quality was performed using the PEDro scale, ranging between 2 and 5 points, and the strength of evidence measured using the Best Evidence Synthesis analysis. Results: 2397 articles were found, of which only 5 met the inclusion criteria, using these intervention programs: Mindfulness, Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Imagery Trip CD. There is limited evidence that the relaxation techniques investigated show improvement in pain and that the Imagery Trip CD program improves pain in children, and the evidence for these results is limited. Regarding the remaining variables studied, in the different relaxation techniques, investigated together or separately, there is no scientific evidence on their effect on children. Conclusions: It appears that there are few studies in children in the age group covered, as well as little exploration of different relaxation methods and techniques, recommending that future studies take into account the methodological quality.
