Measuring Physiological Variables in Student Pharmacists after Conducting Relaxation and Non-Relaxation Techniques

A study was conducted in Spring 2016 which evaluated the acute impact of relaxation and nonrelaxation techniques on student psychological and physiological well-being. Student Pharmacists (aged 18 years or older) were randomly assigned to one of five treatments. These include three relaxation interventions (body scan, mindfulness, or 4 x 4 meditation) and two non-relaxation controls (power posing or app gaming). Body temperature, muscle tension, respiration rate, and heart rate were measured on each subject individually in a private setting while they conducted each treatment for 8 to 10 minutes. To compare differences among treatments, we are summarizing the data for each of these variables for each subject. This includes measuring the starting and ending values, minimum and maximum, mean and median values, and overall change. We expect relaxation techniques to lower post-treatment body temperature, muscle tension, respiration rate, and heart rate more than the controls. We will also look at correlations between these physiological measures and the subjects\u27 perceived stress and anxiety levels. The ultimate goal is to change attitudes regarding the benefits of relaxation in future pharmacists.https://dc.swosu.edu/rf_2016/1104/thumbnail.jp