Positive Health Online

Abstract

IKEDO and others, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA, fabio.ikedo@saofrancisco.edu.br, have explored the effects of prayer and relaxation on recovery after cardiac surgery.

Background

During general anaesthesia the possibility of subconscious perception of events is a controversial subject. Some studies found that positive verbal suggestions, or music improved relaxation during surgery and postoperative recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prayer and relaxation technique applied while patients are under general anaesthesia for open-heart surgery.

Methodology

A randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial included 78 patients who underwent cardiac surgery. During the surgery the patients used a headphone connected to a CD player. They were randomly divided into three groups. One group listened to prayer during the surgery, the other listened to relaxation technique and one, placebo.

Results

There was only one significant finding: the prayer group was less likely to believe that prayer would assist conventional medical treatments. Although not statistically significant, the length of stay after surgery and the incidence of wound infection are also discussed in this paper.

Conclusion

In this study, there was no effect of either relaxation tapes or prayers played to patients under general anaesthesia on their recovery afterwards.

References

Ikedo F, Gangahar DM, Quader MA, Smith LM. The effects of prayer, relaxation technique during general anesthesia on recovery outcomes following cardiac surgery. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 13 (2): 85-94, May 2007.