NCT07533500

Effect of Autogenic Relaxation Training on Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Adult Females

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 44 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 20 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study will be conducted to determine the effect of autogenic relaxation training on irritable bowel syndrome in adult females.

Detailed description

This study is significant as it explores the potential of autogenic relaxation to improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Epidemiologic studies have reported that the prevalence of IBS is approaching 11% globally. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome have a perception of reduced quality of life and a high presence of psychological/ psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, phobias, panic, somatization and obsessive disorder, and in the past these disorders were considered an etiological factor of the syndrome. Psychopathological disorder is currently thought to be a comorbid factor that can exacerbate symptoms. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome also have a high level of perceived stress and in most cases sleep disturbances. Autogenic relaxation training (ART) is a standardized relaxation technique developed by Schultz around 1930 that uses the mental repetition of six systematic exercises (heaviness, warmth, calm and regular heart function, self-regulation of respiration, warmth in the upper abdomen area, and agreeable cooling of the forehead) to decrease sympathetic tone and induce a general disconnection of the organism. ART is simple to learn and easy to practice following brief training. The repeated practice of the exercises increases the person's capacity to induce ever-deeper relaxation and fosters the accumulation of therapeutic benefits. The mechanism of action of this relaxation technique lies in the relaxation response, as opposed to the stress response, which involves a complex interplay of the endocrine, immune, neurological, and psychological systems.

Conditions

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Autogenic relaxation training	The six standard exercises in autogenic relaxation training cause the body to feel calm, warm, and heavy. Each exercise involves the patient lying down, focusing without any particular objective, and then using verbal cues and visual imagination to relax her body in a particular way. The woman relaxed in a half-lying position with a supported back and both arms relaxed at her sides during the eight-week autogenic relaxation training, which lasted 30-40 minutes, one session each week. The woman was advised to focus on her breathing and identify if it was shallow or rapid. Then start to visualize anything in her thoughts. This item should be easy for her to use and enjoyable.
OTHER	Aerobic exercises	All participant in both groups will perform the treadmill exercises three times a week for eight weeks.The participants will walk on the treadmill in a slow speed for 5 min to warm-up. After that, they will increase their speed until they reach the target heart rate and maintain it for 20 min finally, they will walk on the treadmill for 5 min with a slow speed to cool-down.
OTHER	Lifestyle modification	Patients in both groups will be instructed to follow dietary advice for 8 weeks. This includes Integrating a healthier eating habit, having food at the same time every day with regular intervals. Never eat too little or too much. Staying properly hydrated. Preventing processed, fatty, and spicy food. Limiting caffeine, carbonated, and alcoholic drinks. Limiting fiber intake to soluble fibers starts with a low dose and builds up gradually. Avoiding insoluble fibers, gas-producing foods like beans, and sweeteners. Awareness of dietary intolerance. An additional advice for increasing physical activity.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-20
• Primary completion: 2026-08-20
• Completion: 2026-09-10
• First posted: 2026-04-16
• Last updated: 2026-04-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt