The effect of a single, brief practice of progressive muscle relaxation after exposure to an acute stressor on subsequent energy intake.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Given previous research suggests an association between stress and the intake of energy-dense foods, this study investigated whether post-stressor relaxation practice can attenuate stress-induced eating. METHODS Twenty-five men and women were exposed to four conditions on separate days: an acute laboratory stressor (S); acute stressor followed by 20 minutes of relaxation (SR) in the form of Abbreviated Progressive Muscle Relaxation (APMR); relaxation alone (R), and a control condition (C). Physiological and psychological responses to stress and relaxation were assessed, in addition to the subsequent energy intake of high-energy snacks. RESULTS Salivary cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate, and perceived stress were transiently elevated post-laboratory stressor (S and SR compared with R and C; p< 0.05). Meanwhile, perceived relaxation was acutely enhanced after APMR alone (R) compared with S, SR and C (p<0.05) and in SR (immediately after the APMR) compared with S (p<0.05). No difference in mean energy intake was observed between conditions (p>0.05). Likewise, no differences in perceived appetite or the levels of ghrelin, leptin and insulin were found between conditions (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Much variation exists in stress-induced dietary responses, and APMR either post-acute stressor or in isolation does not appear to consistently alter the intake of commonly eaten snacks.