Behavioural Relaxation Training with Huntington's Disease Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Behavioural relaxation training is a simplified technique which may be useful for those individuals who are unable to grasp and benefit from traditional procedures. One such population is Huntington's Disease patients who, in addition to characteristic choreiform movements, which are exacerbated by increased arousal, also suffer from progressive cognitive deterioration. This study used a multiple-baseline design to explore potential use of behavioural relaxation training with two patients who showed advanced disease. Improvement on heart rate and a behavioural measure of relaxation was noted. Results are discussed with respect to treatment of choreiform symptoms and the use of the procedure with other cognitively handicapped populations.