The effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on the anxiety and sleep quality of patients with COVID‐19: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to determine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on the anxiety and sleep quality of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Materials and Methods This is an experimental study. Its data were collected in the infectious diseases clinic of a research hospital from May to August, 2020. This study was carried out with 67 COVID‐19 patients (33 in the experimental group and 34 in the control group). The data were collected using a personal information form, the state‐trait anxiety inventory, and the Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. The progressive muscle relaxation exercises were performed twice a day for 5 days with the researcher's supervision. The data were analyzed using means, numbers, percentage distributions, the χ 2 test, the dependent t test, and the independent t test. Results Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups' mean posttest scores on the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire ( p < 0.05). The in‐group comparison of the experimental group found a statistically significant difference between their mean pretest and posttest scores on the State Anxiety Scale ( p < 0.05). The in‐group comparison of the control group found no statistically significant changes in their mean pretest and posttest scores on the State Anxiety Scale ( p > 0.05). Conclusion The progressive muscle relaxation exercises effectively reduced the anxiety and improved the sleep quality of patients with COVID‐19.

Effect of physical therapy on impairments in COVID-19 patients from intensive care to home rehabilitation: A rapid review

“…However, there was no significant difference in the number of patients who were able to perform the single-leg stance test among participants who did not receive ICU care(28). Similar results for anxiety were found in Özlü et al's RCT(16). They concluded that, after 5 days of progressive muscle relaxation, the anxiety scores of COVID-19 patients improved in the interven-tion group (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score pre: 62.33(8.33); post: 44.67 (5.41); p < 0.001).…”

“…(15). Six studies included active COVID-19 patients, of which 2 studies were on patients admitted to the ICU (19,26), 2 studies were on patients admitted to other inpatient care units (16,24), and 2 studies included both (20,29). Five studies included recovered COVID-19 patients who were still receiving inpatient rehabilitation were assessed in 8 studies (15,17,18,19,22,24,26,29).…”

Sleep Quality in Medical Staffs During the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…Systematic epidemic prevention programs, such as in-service training, human resources allocation, gathering sufficient protective equipment, and establishing a mental health team, could improve anxiety, depression levels, and sleep quality among battlefront staffs ( 30 ). Progressive muscle relaxation training could alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality, and this training can be performed remotely and multiple times after one training session ( 31 ). During the outbreak, we advocate that medical institutions adopt systematic prevention programs and psychological interventions to alleviate anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality.…”

The The Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Reducing Anxiety and Sleep Disturbances in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review

“…Meanwhile, the RCSQ score presented in the study results was only the posttest score between the two groups, in which the experimental group has a significantly better RCSQ post-test score. 15…”

“…In the results of the three studies, PMR was effective in improving anxiety symptoms and sleep quality in COVID-19 patients. [13][14][15]…”