Impact of Short-Term Relaxation and Music Intervention on Prevention of Psychological Problems and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Recruits: A Prospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety-common among military recruits-are associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. The prophylactic effects of psychological interventions on depression, anxiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms in recruits remain unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS Overall, 565 military recruits were prospectively screened. Eligible participants had no depression according to the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS); no anxiety according to the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS); no gastrointestinal symptoms according to the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS); and normal stool form according to the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). Based on the company in which recruits were trained, participants were assigned to the intervention group, which received progressive muscle relaxation training combined with music intervention for 4 weeks (n=60), or the control group, which received no psychological intervention (n=99). SDS, SAS, GSRS, and BSFS questionnaires were completed at baseline, week 4 (ie, upon completion of psychological intervention), and week 6 (ie, 2 weeks after completion of psychological intervention). RESULTS The incidences of depression (1.7% vs 2.0%, P=1.000) and anxiety (3.3% vs 1.0%, P=0.557) at week 4 did not significantly differ between groups. Similarly, the incidences of depression (0% vs 1.0%, P=1.000) and anxiety (0% vs 2.0%, P=0.527) at week 6 did not significantly differ between groups. The incidences of various gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as constipation and diarrhea, also were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS Progressive muscle relaxation training combined with music intervention may not be effective for preventing depression, anxiety, or gastrointestinal symptoms in military recruits.