Masih, Tasmiah, Dimmock, James A., and Guelfi, Kym J. (2019) The effect of a single, brief practice of progressive muscle relaxation after exposure to an acute stressor on subsequent energy intake. Stress and Health, 35 (5). pp. 595-606.

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Abstract

Background: Given previous research suggests an association between stress and the intake of energy-dense foods, this study investigated whether poststressor relaxation practice can attenuate stress-induced eating. Methods: Twenty-five men and women were exposed to four conditions on separate days: an acute laboratory stressor (S), acute stressor followed by 20 min of relaxation (SR) in the form of Abbreviated Progressive Muscle Relaxation (APMR), relaxation alone (R), and a control condition (C). Physiological and psychological responses to stress and relaxation were assessed, in addition to the subsequent energy intake of high-energy snacks. Results: Salivary cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate, and perceived stress were transiently elevated postlaboratory stressor (S and SR compared with R and C; p <.05). Meanwhile, perceived relaxation was acutely enhanced after APMR alone (R) compared with S, SR, and C (p <.05) and in SR (immediately after the APMR) compared with S (p <.05). No difference in mean energy intake was observed between conditions (p >.05). Likewise, no differences in perceived appetite or the levels of ghrelin, leptin, and insulin were found between conditions (p >.05). Conclusions: Much variation exists in stress-induced dietary responses, and APMR either postacute stressor or in isolation does not appear to consistently alter the intake of commonly eaten snacks.

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