Relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation: a scoping review.
4 affiliations
- 1Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapeutic Sciences, Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Bochum, Germany; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. [email protected].
- 2Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapeutic Sciences, Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Bochum, Germany.
- 3Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; University Psychiatric Center KU Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- 4Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract
Objective
To offer a comprehensive synthesis that maps current research on relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation settings.Methods
The review was registered (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/QD4TM) and followed the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. Six databases were searched from inception to August 2025. Eligible sources examined interventions aiming to induce a physiological relaxation response within neurological rehabilitation contexts. Two reviewers independently screened records and appraised study quality.Results
63 sources were included. The findings reveal a heterogeneous evidence landscape, within which several patterns emerge. Relaxation interventions have most frequently been studied in people with multiple sclerosis and stroke. They are generally reported as feasible and well accepted, but often adapted to specific functional needs and preferences. Outcomes were primarily assessed at the level of body structure and function domain, particularly psychological functioning. Key gaps in the evidence base include limited research into less prevalent conditions, few qualitative designs and comparative effectiveness studies, as well as limited assessment of outcomes relating to perceived and physiological stress, activities, and participation.Conclusion
By mapping the existing literature on relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation settings, the review offers a structured synthesis of the field and informs both clinical decision-making and the prioritization of future research.
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BibTeX
@article{rings2026relaxation,
title = {{Relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation: a scoping review.}},
author = {Pia Rings and Juliana Dziurla and Tine Van Damme and Kaat Alaerts and Christina Groll and Dörte Zietz},
journal = {Journal of rehabilitation medicine},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.2340/jrm.v58.45972},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42847760},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation: a scoping review.
AU - Pia Rings
AU - Juliana Dziurla
AU - Tine Van Damme
AU - Kaat Alaerts
AU - Christina Groll
AU - Dörte Zietz
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/08
JO - Journal of rehabilitation medicine
DO - 10.2340/jrm.v58.45972
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42847760
AB - Objective To offer a comprehensive synthesis that maps current research on relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation settings.Methods The review was registered (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/QD4TM) and followed the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. Six databases were searched from inception to August 2025. Eligible sources examined interventions aiming to induce a physiological relaxation response within neurological rehabilitation contexts. Two reviewers independently screened records and appraised study quality.Results 63 sources were included. The findings reveal a heterogeneous evidence landscape, within which several patterns emerge. Relaxation interventions have most frequently been studied in people with multiple sclerosis and stroke. They are generally reported as feasible and well accepted, but often adapted to specific functional needs and preferences. Outcomes were primarily assessed at the level of body structure and function domain, particularly psychological functioning. Key gaps in the evidence base include limited research into less prevalent conditions, few qualitative designs and comparative effectiveness studies, as well as limited assessment of outcomes relating to perceived and physiological stress, activities, and participation.Conclusion By mapping the existing literature on relaxation interventions in neurological rehabilitation settings, the review offers a structured synthesis of the field and informs both clinical decision-making and the prioritization of future research.
SN - 1650-1977
SN - 1651-2081
ER -