Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Cigarette Craving

Preliminary Study of Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Cigarette Craving and Withdrawal Symptoms of Experienced Smokers in Acute Cigarette Abstinence : A Randomised Control Trial

Cigarette craving usually occurs with unpleasant feelings, including stress. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) may reduce level of cigarette craving and/or withdrawal symptoms.

The study reports on a study investigating the acute effects of a one-time application of progressive muscle relaxation on craving for cigarettes in smokers who were instructed to abstain from cigarettes for 3 hours.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or more
• Daily cigarette smokers

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hospitalization
• Participating in cigarette dependency treatment or trying to quit smoking with other methods
• Uncontrolled blood pressure
• Current other substance users (except alcohol)