Progressive Relaxation Research Articles

Managements for perioperative anxiety in patients with gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the most common malignancies, while surgical intervention remains the sole therapeutic approach offering the possibility of a definite cure for cancer. Perioperative anxiety negatively impacts the recovery of GI cancers. Recently, mounting studies have demonstrated that proper nursing interventions may alleviative perioperative anxious illnesses in patients with GI cancers. We conducted a first comprehensive review to summarize all the current evidence on this topic. After a systematically search in the six common databases, eighteen relevant studies were included for further analysis. The present review highlighted that there is a high prevalence of perioperative anxiety in patients with GI cancers (e.g., colorectal cancer, gastric/stomach cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and esophageal cancer), while specific nursing interventions are the reliable methods to reduce postoperative anxiety. These nursing strategies include, but are not limited to, therapeutic listening intervention, implementing perioperative music, predictive nursing, progressive relaxation exercises, psychological interventions in the nursing care, comprehensive nursing, continuous nursing care, video-based nursing education, multidisciplinary cooperative continuous care, accelerated rehabilitation nursing, TCM nursing, evidence-based early warning nursing, target nursing care, and high-quality nursing. Since several limitations existed in the eligible studies as well as in this review, a well-designed multicenter RCT with large sample size is still warranted for the confirmation of nursing intervention for managing perioperative anxiety in patients with GI cancers. Also, future studies should focus on the long-term effects of relevant interventions, specific patient populations, multidisciplinary approaches, technological innovations, and educational programs.

Effectiveness of Combined Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Treating Long-Term COVID-19 Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and additional progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) techniques in patients with long-term COVID-19 symptoms. Methods: We included 61 patients with long COVID-19 symptoms and randomly assigned them to two groups: PR only (group 1 with 30 subjects) and PR with PMR (group 2 with 31 subjects). The PR program consisted of gradual aerobic conditioning, strength training, and breathing exercises. Group 2 received additional 20 min daily sessions of progressive muscle relaxation techniques. Results: Following a 21-day intervention, it was observed that both groups had noteworthy improvements in lung function, exercise capacity, and sleep quality with statistical significance (p < 0.0001). Group 2 showed significant improvements in overall health (as measured by the General Health Questionnaire-12), patient health (as assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9), general anxiety levels (as indicated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorders Scale-7), and sleep quality (as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), with statistical significance (p < 0.0001), compared to group 1. Moreover, the statistical analysis demonstrated no significant difference in exercise capacity improvement between group 1 and group 2, as indicated by a p-value of 0.1711. Conclusions: The addition of progressive muscle relaxation to pulmonary rehabilitation significantly enhances mental health outcomes, particularly in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality, for patients with long-term COVID-19 symptoms. These findings suggest that incorporating PMR into PR programs offers a valuable non-pharmacological approach to improving overall patient well-being during long-term COVID-19 recovery.

Impact of Preoperative Progressive Relaxation Exercises on Postoperative Pain, Comfort, and Recovery

Impact of Preoperative Progressive Relaxation Exercises on Postoperative Pain, Comfort, and Recovery

Improving Mental Health Outcome in Hypertensive Patients: The Role of Relaxation Techniques

Background: Relaxation techniques (progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing) have an impact on the patients with hypertension as they produce a relaxation response within the body and thus, are efficient in lowering the stress and blood pressure in the patients. Objective: This study aims to determine the role of relaxation techniques (progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing) on improving mental health outcome in hypertensive patients (depression, anxiety and stress). Methodology: A Quasi-experimental design used to guide this study, it was conducted by use of a pre-posttest approach during the period 26th of November, 2023 to 7th of April, 2024. A non-probability (purposive) sampling has been performed during a selection of (100) patients who attending Outpatient Clinic in Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, (50) patients as control group and (50) patients as study group. The researcher used a socio-demographic and psychological parameter scale (DASS-21). Results: The findings of the current study show highly statistically significant differences in post-test between study and control group (at P ≤ 0.001). On other hand, there is no statistically significant difference in the pre-test between the two group of all psychological parameter (at P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the study's findings, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises can both proved to be significantly effective in improve mental health in hypertensive patients (depression, anxiety and stress). Recommendations: In order to reduce hypertension and other psychological parameters in patients with essential hypertension, the researcher suggested combining pharmacological therapies with non-drug therapy (relaxation techniques intervention) in the management of hypertension.

The role of mindfulness training and progressive muscle relaxation for managing stress in children with autism, and the role of ICTs

Stress management is a critical component of therapeutic interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This article explores the efficacy of mindfulness training and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) as strategies to alleviate stress in this population. Current research indicates that these techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being in children with autism. This paper reviews relevant studies and highlights the mechanisms through which mindfulness and PMR contribute to stress management.

The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Sleep Quality in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Study

The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Sleep Quality in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Study

Effects of a muscle relaxation exercise programme on test anxiety and sleep quality among fourth‐year nursing students before comprehensive examination in Palestine

AbstractIntroductionThere is a lack of research on the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on minimising test anxiety and enhancing sleep quality among nursing students in Arab countries, including Palestine. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a PMR intervention programme on test anxiety and sleep quality in fourth‐year nursing students before the comprehensive examination in Palestine.MethodsA one‐group pre‐/postdesign was conducted on a group of fourth‐year nursing students before the comprehensive examination (N = 60) at Arab American University in Palestine. The PMR programme consisted of five sessions lasting 45 min over the course of 1 week and was implemented from the beginning of January to the end of January 2024.ResultsFindings indicated a significant difference in test anxiety pre‐ and post‐PMR exercise (t[59] = 19.3, p < .01). Also, a significant difference was found in sleep quality before and after the PMR exercise (t[59] = 15.4, p < .01). Additionally, no difference was found in test anxiety and sleep based on age and gender pre‐/post‐PMR intervention programme.ConclusionThis study proposes that PMR effectively reduces test anxiety and improves sleep quality among nursing students. Therefore, the PMR programme should be incorporated as a therapeutic intervention for nursing students and students in general and particularly those suffering from test anxiety and poor sleep quality. Also, mental health counsellors and instructors can use such interventions in their therapeutic management as non‐pharmacological therapy.

A study to assess the knowledge regarding Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique among undergraduate nursing students in a Sharda University, Greater Noida

A study to assess the knowledge regarding Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique among undergraduate nursing students in a Sharda University, Greater Noida

Integrative Treatment Approaches with Mind-Body Therapies in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathophysiology characterized by intense pruritus, often associated with psychological stress and atopic and non-atopic comorbidities that significantly reduce quality of life. The psychological aspects of AD and the interaction between the mind and body via the skin-brain axis have led to an interest in mind-body therapies (MBT). The aim of this article is, therefore, to reinforce the importance of psychodermatological care in AD. We performed a focused literature review on holistic practices or integrative MBT in AD, including education, cognitive behavioral therapy, habit reversal, meditation, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, autonomous sensory meridian response, music therapy, massage, and touch therapy. A multidisciplinary holistic approach with MBT, in addition to conventional pharmacologic antipruritic therapies, to break the itch-scratch cycle may improve AD outcomes and psychological well-being. Although there is a paucity of rigorously designed trials, evidence shows the potential benefits of an integrative approach on pruritus, pain, psychological stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality. Relaxation and various behavioral interventions, such as habit reversal therapy for replacing harmful scratching with massaging with emollient 'plus', may reduce the urge to scratch, while education may improve adherence to conventional therapies.

A Quasi Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy on Anxiety and Quality of Sleep Among Covid-19 Patients at Selected Covid Care Centre, Coimbatore

Global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased to 25% during the first year of pandemic. Pandemic is not just a medical phenomenon; it affected individuals, society and caused emotional disruptions, anxiety, stress, stigma and sleep problems. Aim: The present study was undertaken with the aim to assess the effectiveness of Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy on anxiety and quality of sleep among COVID-19 patients. Methodology: A quantitative approach with Quasi-Experimental, one group pretest-posttest design was adopted. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants, and the sample size was 60. Pretest level of anxiety and quality of sleep were assessed using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Modified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation therapy (JPMR) was administered in individual session for 20 minutes, one session per day for 6 consecutive days. Posttest was conducted by using same questionnaires on the 7th day, after the intervention. Results: ‘z’ test was used to compare the level of anxiety before and after the intervention, the calculated value z=4.85 was greater than the tabulated value 3.29 at 0.001 level of significance. With regard to the quality of sleep before and after intervention, the calculated value z=5.87 was greater than the tabulated value 3.29 at 0.001 level of significance. Conclusion: The study concluded that Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy was effective in reducing the anxiety and improving the sleep quality among COVID-19 patients.

Hypnosis support in anaesthesia is rarely used in German anaesthesia departments - a nationwide survey among leading physicians of anaesthesia departments

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent perioperative hypnosis and relaxation techniques are used in German anaesthesia departments, what they are, where any difficulties in their application lie and how great the interest in this type of therapy is. Another research question was to find out whether there are specialist areas in which these methods are used more frequently than in other specialist areas.MethodsA descriptive survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire in all hospitals with anaesthesia departments in Germany. 1124 questionnaires were sent out by post. The survey period was five months from 27/02/2023 to 31/07/2023. The clinic directors of all anaesthesiology departments in German hospitals were surveyed.Results476 departments (42%) responded by pre-paid envelope. Of these, only 39 (8%) use hypnosis and relaxation techniques perioperatively. These are mostly progressive muscle relaxation, hypnotic trance according to Erickson, calming words and suggestions or the use of virtual reality (e.g. using VR-glasses).ConclusionsHypnosis techniques have been shown in many studies to be effective in increasing patient comfort (less anxiety and stress) and reducing both the need for medication and perioperative pain. The therapy is rarely used in Germany, although once established it can be easily integrated into perioperative procedures. Many departments have shown great interest in the topic. In the interests of patients, a structural change should be considered to promote the use of hypnotic procedures.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Family Anxiety with Hypertension

Since hypertension is a chronic condition, long-term care is required. Anxiety within the family is one of the ways that long-term care and the possibility of complications impact the loving family. Extended family stress may lead to subpar treatment for hypertensive individuals, which will impact their pulse. The purpose of this study was to examine what increasing muscle relaxation meant for the anxiety levels of hypertensive families. Analytical methods are utilized in this kind of quasi-experimental study. All households with family members who experience the ill effects of hypertension are the target population. samples from 35 participants in the control group and another 35 participants in the experimental group. The HARS questionnaire was the tool used to gauge the level of anxiety. Using the SPSS software, data management employed the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test at a significance threshold of <α (0.05). The outcomes demonstrated that gradual muscle relaxation had an impact on the anxiety levels of the experimental group's families with hypertension. ρ = 0.000 (0.000 <0.05) was the result of the Wilcoxon sign rank test at a significance level of 0.05. The control group's Wilcoxon sign rank test result, at a significance level of 0.05, was ρ = 1.000 (1.000 > 0.05), indicating no effect of progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety. According to the study's findings, gradual muscular relaxation can diminish anxiety. To bring down anxiety levels, this technique can be utilized as a non-pharmacological therapy.

Effect of Motor Interference Therapy on Distress Related to Traumatic Memories: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Traumatic memories (TM) are a core feature of stress-related disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment is often difficult, and specific pharmacological interventions are lacking. We present a novel non-pharmacological intervention called motor interference therapy (MIT) as a promising alternative for these symptoms. To determine the feasibility of MIT, a brief, audio-delivered, and non-pharmacological intervention that uses cognitive and motor tasks to treat TM. We designed a randomized, double-blind trial. Twenty-eight participants from an outpatient clinic with at least one TM were included to receive either MIT or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Spanish versions of the PTSD symptom severity scale (EGS), visual analog scale for TM (TM-VAS), and quality of life (EQ-VAS) were applied prior to intervention, 1 week, and 1 month following intervention. Mean scores on all measures improved from baseline to posttest for both groups. MIT participants showed significantly more positive scores at 1 week and 1 month (TM-VAS baseline: 9.8±0.4; immediate: 6.0±2.0; 1 week: 3.8±3.1 [d=1.57]; 1 month 2.9±2.8 [d=1.93]) than PMR participants on measures of distress due to TM, trauma re-experiencing, anxiety, and a composite measure of PTSD. MIT is a simple, effective, and easy-to-use tool for treating TM and other stress-related symptoms. It requires relatively few resources and could be adapted to many contexts. The results provide proof-of-principle support for conducting future research with larger cohorts and controls to improve clinical effectiveness and research on brief interventions. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03627078.

Comparison of the researched analyses evaluating the physiotherapy of the pain with a cause in the region of the cervical spine

Introduction. Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem. This individual and socio-economic health problem is associated with a reduction in daily activities, a reduction in labour productivity and an impact on quality of life levels. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy of non-specific pain originating from the cervical region in terms of the applied physiotherapy methods. Methods. 40 research articles published in 2018-2023 in journals with registration in databases Web of Science, Science Direct and Scopus were included in the research. Results. The most frequent target studied was the education of patients on ergonomics, correct posture and home exercises. The preparation phase of therapy included the administration of thermotherapy and electrotherapy – ultrasound or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), classical massage, administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The techniques often used were manipulation and/or mobilization, trigger and tender points therapy – acupressure, acupuncture, dry needle application. Among the therapeutic methods, the most frequently chosen are exercises in the form of pilates, yoga, Alexander technique, sensomotor training, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Jakobson progressive muscle relaxation. Reduction of painful mobility was addressed by the application of local immobilization and kineziotaping. Conclusion. According to the results of our analysis, the combination of several physiotherapy techniques and methods appears to be significantly effective for reducing pain and improving quality of life.

Acceptance and commitment therapy versus progressive relaxation training for misophonia: Randomized controlled trial protocol, interventions, and audiological assessments

BackgroundMisophonia is a disorder characterized by an intense emotional reaction to specific sounds, often leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a promising psychotherapy for treating misophonia, but has only been previously tested in case studies. This paper presents a protocol for the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy and feasibility of ACT supplemented by audiological interventions for misophonia versus progressive relaxation training (PRT). MethodsThe outlined protocol is a RCT with 60 adults with misophonia. After undergoing a comprehensive psychological and audiological evaluation, participants were randomly assigned to ACT (n = 30) or PRT (n = 30). All participants completed clinician-administered and self-report assessments at baseline, post-intervention, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome was misophonia severity and impairment measured via clinical interview. Secondary outcomes included disgust, anger, sensory sensitivities, well-being, distress, and psychological flexibility. DiscussionThis paper outlines the rationale of using ACT supplemented by audiological methods for misophonia with the novel therapeutic target of enhancing psychological flexibility. The results of this randomized controlled trial will help determine if ACT is an efficacious and acceptable treatment for misophonia. This trial will also help clarify active psychological mechanisms of misophonia, and assess whether this combination of psychological and audiological services can effectively help individuals with misophonia.

Resiliency among older adults receiving lung cancer treatment (ROAR-LCT): A novel supportive care intervention for older adults with advanced lung cancer

IntroductionNovel supportive care interventions designed for an aging population with lung cancer are urgently needed. We aimed to determine the feasibility of a novel supportive care physical therapy (PT) plus progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) intervention delivered to older adults with advanced lung cancer in the United States (US). Materials and MethodsThis clinical trial, Resiliency Among Older Adults Receiving Lung Cancer Treatment (ROAR-LCT: NCT04229381), recruited adults aged ≥60 years with unresectable stage III/IV non-small cell (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC) receiving cancer treatment at The James Thoracic Oncology Center (planned enrollment, N = 20). There were no exclusion criteria pertaining to performance status, laboratory values, prior cancer diagnoses, comorbidities, or brain metastases. Participants were evaluated by PT and psychology and given an exercise pedaler, resistance bands, a relaxation voice recording, and instructions at study initiation. Participants were evaluated in-person by PTs and psychologists at the start and end of the 12-session intervention, with the intervening sessions conducted via virtual health. Participants completed self-reported measures of functional status, symptoms, and mood longitudinally with the following instruments: EQ-5D-5L, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and General Anxiety Disorder-7. PT assessments included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the two-minute walk test. Feasibility was defined as at least 60% of participants completing at least 70% of all intervention sessions. Optional gut microbiome samples and activity monitoring data (ActiGraph®) were also collected. ResultsThe ROAR-LCT study concluded after consenting 22 patients. Among the 22 consented, 18 (81.8%) started the intervention; 11 participants (61.1%) completed at least 70% of all study sessions. All participants with SCLC completed the intervention. Reasons for withdrawal included progression of disease or hospitalization. The majority (88.9%) of patients who started were able to complete at least one virtual health session. Participants' functional status, SPPB, depression, and anxiety scores were stable from pre- to post-intervention. Participants who withdrew had worse baseline scores across domains. Seven microbiome and six ActiGraph® samples were collected. Discussion: This is one of the first PT + PMR supportive care interventions using virtual health among older adults with advanced lung cancer to achieve feasibility in the US.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION ON SLEEP QUALITY OF PATIENT FAMILIES IN THE ICU ROOM

Background: Sleep quality is a person's level of satisfaction with their sleep. Poor sleep quality is a decrease in sleep quality which can be seen from frequently woke up dured sleep at night and had difficulty fell asleep. A person who lacks sleep can cause physical and psychological health to decline. Progressive muscle relaxation is a non-pharmacological therapy that can improve sleep quality Purpose: This research aims to determine the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation on the sleep quality of patient families in the ICU room Methods: This study uses a Quasi-experiment one group pretest posttest design with consecutive sampling technique on 30 families of patients in the ICU waited room used the RCSQ questionnaire. Bivariate analysis used the Wilcoxon test. Result: Data analysis shows the sig value. 0.000 (p > 0.05) so Ho is rejected, means that there is an effect of progressive muscle relaxation on the sleep quality of the patient's family in the ICU room at Ulin Hospital, Banjarmasin Result: The sleep quality of the patient's family before the intervention was 30 respondents who experienced poor sleep quality and after the intervention 30 respondents experienced good sleep quality. So this therapy can be used to improve the quality of family sleep Implication: There is the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation on the sleep quality of patient families in the ICU Room

Application of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique to Reduce Blood Glucose Levels in Elderly with Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease which is often found in the elderly caused by a degenerative process. Progressive muscle relaxation technique is one of the non-pharmacological therapy to decrease blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus. This case study aimed to analyzed the effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on problem of instability of blood glucose levels in elderly. This research design is case study. The sample of this research is one elderly who had diabetes mellitus type 2. The data collection by measuring blood glucose levels during pre-intervention in the morning and post-intervention in the afternoon. The elderly had intervention twice a day for 20 minutes and forward until 5 days. Data collected and processed by using statistical T-test dependent. The elderly with diabetes mellitus type 2 given progressive muscle relaxation technique experienced a decrease in blood glucose levels from pre to post intervention with p-value 0.005 which means it is significant. The application of progressive muscle relaxation technique given to the elderly affect to decrease blood glucose levels in the outcome of pre and post intervention.

The effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercise on dementia caregivers

While progressive muscle relaxation has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing anxiety, stress, and depression in general populations, its impact on caregivers of dementia patients remains understudied. This study investigated the effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) in improving the well-being of dementia caregivers. Caregivers of individuals with dementia (n = 57) participated in a 3-month intervention, engaging in PMR thrice weekly. Participants completed assessments of depression, anxiety, stress, and caregiver burden at pre-test and post-intervention period. The intervention led to significant reductions in anxiety, stress, depression, and caregiver burden among participants. Female caregivers reported to have higher levels of anxiety and stress compared to males. Caregivers under financial stress showed high levels of distress and increased caregiver burden. These promising findings suggest the need for further research with larger, multicenter samples. Notably, PMR is a readily implementable intervention by nurses, requiring minimal equipment and offering a cost-effective approach to supporting caregiver well-being.

The Effects of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Distraction, and Rumination on State Anger Using the Autobiographical Essay Memory Task

ABSTRACT Given the many negative outcomes of anger, including physical aggression and violence, there is a need to improve treatment outcomes. As such, several treatment approaches were evaluated in this study. The autobiographical essay memory task (AEMT) was given to 157 participants on Amazon’s Mturk. Using a four (intervention) by three (state anger) mixed design, participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: control group (a distraction task), rumination, self-help Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). All participants were instructed to write an anger-evoking memory for ten minutes. Following this, participants were then asked to partake in their respective intervention. Using the State Anger Scale from the State-Trait Anger Expression-2, state anger was measured at baseline, after writing about the anger-evoking memory, and post-intervention. As expected, there was a significant difference across the three time points, p < .001, η2 = .30. Once the AEMT was completed, participants received an intervention. Participants indicated lower levels of state anger post-intervention compared to post-AEMT, p < .001; however, participants post-intervention still reported higher levels of state anger compared to baseline, p < .001. Using the LSD post-hoc test, participants in the rumination condition reported higher levels of state anger post-intervention compared to participants who engaged in PMR (p < .001), self-help REBT (p = .04), and the control condition (p < .001). There were no significant differences noted between PMR, self-help REBT, and the control conditions post-intervention. The AEMT was an effective tool to evoke state anger in a lab setting. Additionally, self-help REBT, PMR, and distraction are effective tools to decrease state anger.