Evaluating the Effectiveness of a One-Week Multimodal Prevention Program for Slowing down and Stress Reduction Performed in a German Health Resort: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Effective concepts are required to overcome the negative impact of daily stressful overwhelming. We investigated the effectiveness of a 1-week multimodal program for stress reduction. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a randomized controlled trial including adults with above-average stress level. The intervention consisted of health coaching, relaxation, physical activity, and balneotherapeutic elements. Individuals were randomized either to the intervention group (IG) or to one of the two control groups B and C. The main outcome was change in stress (Perceived Stress Questionnaire [PSQ], Screening Scale of Chronic Stress of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress [TICS-SSCS]) at 6 months post intervention; further outcomes were well-being (World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being Index [WHO-5]) and health status (EuroQol visual analog scale [EQ-5D VAS]). Data were collected pre/post intervention as well as after 1, 3, and 6 months. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Data of 96 individuals (mean age 48.0 years, 74% female) were available for analyses. The IG improved overtime with –13.45 points for the PSQ and –6.44 points for the TICS-SSCS after 6 months. At 6-month follow-up the IG did not significantly differ from group B (PSQ: <i>p</i> = 0.2332; TICS-SSCS: <i>p</i> = 0.0805) or group C (PSQ: <i>p</i> = 0.0950; TICS-SSCS: <i>p</i> = 0.0607) when controlling for baseline (ANCOVA). Compared to group C, ANCOVA revealed significant differences in WHO-5 (<i>p</i> = 0.0292) and EQ-5D VAS (<i>p</i> = 0.0177) post intervention. At the 3- and 6-month follow-up and compared to group B, no substantial differences could be found for WHO-5 and EQ-5D VAS. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The results indicate that even a short-term multimodal program for stress reduction appears to set a positive trend towards less perceived and chronic stress.