The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on pregnant women's general health

Abstract

Background:Pregnancy may be accompanied by serious physiological and psychological changes as it is a stressful period in a woman's life. So, this study was conducted to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on pregnant women's general health.Materials and Methods:In this clinical trial, 60 primigravida women admitted to the prenatal clinic of selected hospitals in Iran constituted the study population. Using purposive sampling method, the level of general health of the women was measured with General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Then, the samples were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Three 1.5–2 h relaxation training sessions were held for the experimental group. After 8 weeks, the level of general health of both groups was measured again. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using Chi-square and paired t-test (P < 0.05).Results:Total mean score of general health of the experimental group and the control group before the intervention was 35.83 (6.92) and 29.46 (8.3), respectively, and after the intervention, the respective scores were 20.2 (5.61) and 27.85 (8.24). Although after the intervention both groups showed an increased level of general health, the difference in general health between before and after intervention was significant in the experimental group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, comparison of variations in mean scores of general health level before and after intervention in the two groups showed a significant difference (P < 0.001).Conclusions:Given that the results showed the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation on pregnant women's general health, the prenatal clinics can include a training program for progressive muscle relaxation in the routine training programs for pregnant women.

Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Anxiety Reduction Among Nursing Students During Their Initial Clinical Training: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…Zargarzadeh et al demonstrated that relaxation exercises had a positive effect on reducing students' test anxiety. 26 Also, Ahmadnejad and colleagues investigated the effects of relaxation techniques on decreasing anxiety among students in a clinical experience and realized it to be helpful. 27 Heidari et al revealed that teaching muscular relaxation techniques and gradually releasing tension, combined with biofeedback, significantly reduces students’ anxiety.…”

Comparing the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and physical activity on pregnant women's general health

“…The study started on May 3, 2013 and ended on August 7, 2013. The sample size was obtained by using Altman's nomogram and considering the previous studies as samples,[ 10 ] with power = 90%, α = 10% and β = 5%, following screening and written consent, the participants were divided into equal numbers of three groups, using a ball inside a bag. They were requested to participate actively in the random assignment.…”

“…So, we selected participants for each group by randomization. The inclusion criteria were nulliparous and maximum of 12 weeks of gestational age ( first trimester) according to the previous study,[ 10 ] minimum literacy required for reading and understanding the stages of PA, single pregnancy, low-risk pregnancy, no use of antidepressants, and no addiction to cigarettes, opioids, or alcohol.…”

“…[ 5 9 ] Given the mutual effects of physical and mental health, many researchers have been interested in nonmedical and applicable methods that can affect the physical and mental health of pregnant women. [ 10 ]…”

“…PMR and breathing exercises are among the physiological mechanisms that link the mind and the body, and as a nonmedicinal method they have positive effects on stress management in physical, mental, and social dimensions of general health. [ 10 ] Some studies have reported that PMR training could improve the quality of life and decrease pain in pregnant women with low back pain [ 14 ] and reduce stress in pregnant women. [ 16 ]…”