Evaluation of cognitive behavioural training and physical activity for patients with stress-related illnesses: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of a cognitive behavioural training programme and a physical activity programme for patients with stress-related illnesses.

DESIGN

In a randomized controlled study, patients were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 groups, where group 1 participated in a cognitive behavioural training programme, group 2 participated in a physical activity programme, and group 3, the control group, was offered usual care for the course of the study.

SUBJECTS: A total of 75 patients participated in the study. They had been on sick leave for at least 50% of the time for between 1 month and 2 years due to stress-related illnesses.

METHODS

Measurements of autonomic activity, pressure-pain thresholds and subjective ratings of health and behaviour were made before and after a 10-week intervention period, and at 6 and 12 months after the intervention.

RESULTS

Minor differences in autonomic activity and pressure-pain thresholds were found between the groups immediately after the intervention. At the 6- and 12-month follow-up assessments, the differences were no longer present. Patients in the cognitive behavioural training group improved their ratings of general health compared with the physical activity group throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

The study showed little difference in the effect of cognitive behavioural training and physical activity, compared with usual care, for patients with stress-related illnesses.