[Effect of Autogenic Training for Stress Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis].

Summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of autogenic training (AT) for managing stress responses in adults. The researchers searched eight electronic databases (Embase, CENTRAL, Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, DBpia, KISS, RISS) and used RevMan 5.3.5 for meta-analysis.

From 950 initially identified studies, 21 met inclusion criteria for the systematic review and 11 were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that autogenic training significantly reduced anxiety scores by 1.37 points in short-term interventions with healthy adults. Depression scores decreased by 0.29 points in longer-term studies involving patient groups. The intervention also increased heart rate variability high-frequency components, indicating improved parasympathetic nervous system activity.

The authors concluded that autogenic training is an effective stress management tool for adults and recommended that nurses incorporate AT programs for workplace stress relief. The findings support AT as a low-cost, accessible intervention that produces measurable physiological changes alongside psychological benefits.

Methods

• Systematic search of 8 electronic databases
• 950 studies initially identified
• 21 studies included in systematic review
• 11 studies included in meta-analysis
• RevMan 5.3.5 used for statistical analysis

Key Results

• Anxiety: 1.37-point reduction in short-term healthy adult groups
• Depression: 0.29-point reduction in long-term patient groups
• Heart rate variability: Increased high-frequency components
• Consistent effects across multiple outcome measures

Limitations

• Published in Korean (limited international accessibility)
• Heterogeneity in study designs and populations
• Variable intervention duration across studies
• Some included studies had small sample sizes

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