Effect of the Emotional Freedom Technique on Perceived Stress, Quality of Life, and Cortisol Salivary Levels in Tension-Type Headache Sufferers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

详细信息    查看全文

• 作者：Anastasia M. Bougea ; MD¹ ; Nick Spandideas ; SLT² ; Evangelos C. Alexopoulos ; PhD¹ ; Thomas Thomaides ; MD³ ; George P. Chrousos ; Pr¹ ; ⁴ ; ^? ; Christina Darviri ; Pr¹ ; ^? ; ^{cdarviri@yahoo.com}
• 关键词：Stress ; TTH ; stress management ; EFT ; health promotion
• 刊名：EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing
• 出版年：2013
• 出版时间：March-April, 2013
• 年：2013
• 卷：9
• 期：2
• 页码：91-99
• 全文大小：518 K

文摘

| Figures/TablesFigures/Tables | ReferencesReferences

Objective

To evaluate the short-term effects of the emotional freedom technique (EFT) on tension-type headache (TTH) sufferers.

Design

We used a parallel-group design, with participants randomly assigned to the emotional freedom intervention (n = 19) or a control arm (standard care n = 16).

Setting

The study was conducted at the outpatient Headache Clinic at the Korgialenio Benakio Hospital of Athens.

Participants

Thirty-five patients meeting criteria for frequent TTH according to International Headache Society guidelines were enrolled.

Intervention

Participants were instructed to use the EFT method twice a day for two months.

Outcome Measures

Study measures included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Short-Form questionnaire-36. Salivary cortisol levels and the frequency and intensity of headache episodes were also assessed.

Results

Within the treatment arm, perceived stress, scores for all Short-Form questionnaire-36 subscales, and the frequency and intensity of the headache episodes were all significantly reduced. No differences in cortisol levels were found in any group before and after the intervention.

Conclusions

EFT was reported to benefit patients with TTH. This randomized controlled trial shows promising results for not only the frequency and severity of headaches but also other lifestyle parameters.