Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials (CTs) of autogenic training for hypertension were included.
Specific interventions included in the review
The following components of autogenic training were studied and compared to control therapy consisting of no treatment, placebo (packaged like atenolol) or self-relaxation: autogenic training phrases tape-recorded; sensation of relaxation; Schultz and Luthe's technique (see Other Publications of Related Interest no.1); Schultz technique; and warmth and lightness. Autogenic training was conducted both in sessions and with home practice.
Participants included in the review
Patients of both sexes with hypertension, including essential hypertension, were included. Subjects included those recruited from a Cardiology Research Centre, hypertensive clinic, and through a newspaper advertisement.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The primary outcome assessed was blood pressure.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the authors performed the selection.