The Effectiveness of Benson's Relaxation Technique on Pain and Perceived Stress Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Double-Blind, Cluster-Randomized, Active Control Clinical Trial.

This article evaluates the effectiveness of Benson's Relaxation Technique (BRT) on pain and perceived stress (P&PS) among patients undergoing hemodialysis (PUH) through a double-blind, cluster-randomized active control clinical trial conducted in two governmental hospitals in Amman, Jordan. Thirty-six PUH were assigned to either an intervention group practicing BRT twice daily for 8 weeks or a control group receiving education on Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in pain and perceived stress scores in the BRT group after one month, but not after one week, while no significant changes occurred in the control group. The study suggests that long-term practice of BRT is a convenient, cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate pain and stress in PUH, recommending its integration into routine nursing care during hemodialysis sessions. Limitations include a small sample size, short follow-up, and limited generalizability beyond the study setting.