Guided Imagery for Treating Abdominal Pain in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Weydert Joy A, Shapiro Daniel E, Acra Sari A, Monheim Cynthia J, Chambers Andrea S, Ball Thomas M
Primary Institution: Children's Mercy Hospital
Hypothesis
Guided imagery with progressive muscle relaxation would be superior to breathing techniques alone for managing the symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Conclusion
Guided imagery techniques along with progressive muscle relaxation are more effective than breathing techniques for reducing pain episodes and missed activities in children with recurrent abdominal pain.
Supporting Evidence
- Children learning guided imagery had significantly more days of pain at baseline compared to those learning breathing techniques.
- Guided imagery resulted in a greater decrease in days with pain and missed activities compared to breathing exercises.
- More children in the guided imagery group met the threshold for being healed after the intervention.
Takeaway
This study shows that using your imagination can help kids feel better when they have tummy aches. It's like a magic trick for their minds to make the pain go away.
Methodology
22 children aged 5-18 were randomized to learn either breathing exercises or guided imagery with progressive muscle relaxation, with sessions held weekly for four weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to lack of blinding for therapists and the nature of the interventions.
Limitations
Variability in diagnostic evaluations among participants and inability to blind therapists to treatment assignments.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 5-18, with a history of recurrent abdominal pain.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Confidence Interval
[1.1, 48.6]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website