Effects of Stretch-Based Progressive Relaxation Training on the Secretion of Salivary Immunoglobulin A in Orofacial Pain Patients

There is a growing body of evidence that psychologic stressors can affect physical health and proneness to disease through depletion of the body's immune system. Relativ ely little research, however, has ivnestigated the pot ential immunoenhancing effect of stress-relieving strategies such as progressive muscle relaxation. This study e xplored the relationship between immune functioning and relaxation training with persons experiencing persistent facial pain. In a single experimental session, 21 subjects either received relaxation training or rested for an equivalent time period. S alivary immunoglobulin A, mood, pain, and tension levels were measured before and after relaxation and rest periods. Results indicated that a greater proportion of those receiving relaxation training had increases in secretion of salivary immunoglobulin A. These findings suggest that immunoenhancement may be another potential benefit of progressive relaxation training for perso ns with chronic pain conditions.