The Effects of Applied Relaxation and Operant Activity Training on Chronic Pain

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Abstract
This investigation was designed to evaluate the utility of a behaviour therapy programme provided on an outpatient basis for the management of chronic pain. Twenty-eight chronic pain patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The first group served as a waiting-list control and had minimal contact with the clinic during the study, while the second group received the regular treatment regime provided by the rehabilitation clinic. The behaviour therapy group also received some of the regular treatment techniques offered by the clinic, but in addition, these patients were given: (1) training in applied relaxation (coping) to control the pain, and (2) an operant activities programme to increase relevant activities at home. Results indicated that the behaviour therapy group had significantly greater reductions in pain than the other two groups, and moreover, the behaviour therapy group had the best results for variables of sleep, activity and medication levels. These findings suggest that applied relaxation and an activities training programme may be valuable tools for the remediation of chronic pain.