The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on the adaptation of elderly women to depression and old age: a randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Background The changes that occur during the ageing process affect the mental health of individuals and their adaptation to old age. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on the depression level of elderly women and their adaptation to old age. Methods A randomised controlled trial design was used. The sample consisted of 49 elderly women (21 intervention and 28 controls) from a family health centre of a city in Turkey. The research data were collected using the introductory information form, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Barthel index, Geriatric Depression‐15 Scale, and Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly. Two home visits were made to women in the first and eighth week of the application. PMR was applied by women in the intervention group in 28 min sessions three times a week for 8 weeks. During the 8 weeks the women were called by the researcher once a week and PMR was reminded. Results As a result of the PMR exercises performed for 8 weeks, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean Geriatric Depression‐15 Scale and Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly scores of the women in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion In this study, it was found that PMR exercises reduce the depression level of elderly women and increase their adaptation to old age.

The Effects and Mechanisms of Exercise on the Treatment of Depression

“…This article provides a summary table of clinical studies of exercise therapy for depression or depressive symptoms in recent years, listed in Table 1. Many of the latest studies (18,30,37,38,41,(66)(67)(68)(69) are included.…”

Effect of progressive muscle relaxation on adaptation to old age and quality of life among older people in a nursing home: a randomized controlled trial

“…It is considered that this situation may be due to the short duration of the PMR program and the limited number of sessions (a total of 16). Similarly, no significant difference between the control and intervention groups was found in an 8‐week program with 24 PMR sessions 29 . In another study, however, a significant difference was determined between the NPH scores of the control and intervention groups when PMR was conducted 3 times a week for 3 months (a total of 36 sessions) 27…”

“…The number of studies examining the effect of PMR exercises on older people's adaptation to old age are limited in the literature. In a randomized controlled study conducted with 49 (intervention: 21, control: 28) older women by Gökşin and Aşiret (2021), it was determined that the PMR (a total of 24 sessions for 8 week) decreased the depression level of older women and increased their adaptation to old age 29 . In an experimental study (pre‐ and post‐) by Nalawade and Nikhade conducted on 30 subjects living in a nursing home in the age group of 60–85, it was reported that the Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation technique applied 5–6 days a week and once a day for 12 weeks increased seniors' satisfaction with life ( P = 0.01, t = 2.5292, df = 29) 28 .…”

“…According to the literature, during the state of relaxation which can be achieved through a variety of techniques, neurological stimulation decreases in the body and positive feelings occur with the stimulation of the parasympathetic system, such as physical and mental relaxation, feelings of peace, joy, optimism, liveliness, and being refreshed 55 . In addition, studies have indicated that PMR has important benefits such as decreasing fatigue, stress, 56 pain, anxiety, 44 depression, 29 and increasing physical and mental well‐being, 44 life satisfaction, 28 and QOL 27,56 . Considering these effects of PMR, it may be considered that through its stress‐reducing effect and positive regulation of the emotional, social, and physiological functions of older people, PMR can help seniors adapt to the stresses of old age and increase their health‐related QOL.…”

“…One study reported that an 8‐week PMR program improved QOL and decreased depression, anxiety, and stress 36 . Another study reported that 8 weeks of PMR increased seniors' adaptation to old age 29 . Similarly, in the study conducted with older people by Hassanpour‐Dehkordi and Jalali, it was determined that the PMR increases the health‐related QOL 27 .…”