| Abstract: | Evaluated a hot flash provocation technique for its validity and reliability and then used it as an objective method for evaluating an experimental intervention. Spontaneous and heat-induced hot flashes occurring in 2 consecutive pretreatment evaluations were shown to be similar on all physiological measures. Latency to hot flash onset under heat stress was then used to evaluate the effects of relaxation treatment or a control procedure on 14 44–61 yr old menopausal females. Results show that following treatment, the latency to hot flash onset during heat stress was significantly increased in relaxation Ss but not in controls. Reported symptom frequency was significantly reduced only in relaxation Ss. Increased hot flash latency under heat stress was significantly related to reported symptom reduction. It is suggested that decreased sympathetic outflow was a mechanism in the alleviation of hot flashes. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
