Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Nursing Students: Effects on Psychological and Biopsychosocial Outcomes

NCT07038109 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: HEM-PGE-RCT-2024-TUBITAK2209-A1919B012327345
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 104
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) on depression, anxiety, stress, future-oriented attitudes, and biopsychosocial responses in nursing students. The study was conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 with students enrolled in the Nursing Department. Data collection took place between January and March 2025. When selecting participants, a list of participants meeting the inclusion criteria was created using snowball sampling. A total of 104 students were randomly divided into experimental and control groups of 52 students each. Data were collected using the DASS-21, Future Orientation Scale, and Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students.

Conditions

Depression; Anxiety; Stress, Psychological; Mental Health; Students, Nursing; Adaptation, Psychological; Psychophysiologic Disorders; Relaxation Therapy; Progressive Relaxation Exercise; Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise

Keywords

Progressive Muscle Relaxation; Psychological Intervention; Nursing Students; Mental Health Promotion; Stress Management; Depression; Anxiety; Psychological Stress; Biopsychosocial Response; Future Orientation; University Students; Randomized Controlled Trial; Relaxation Techniques; progressive relaxation exercise

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in depression, anxiety, and stress levels measured by DASS-21

  The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) will be used to assess changes in psychological symptoms. It consists of three subscales measuring depression, anxiety, and stress. The scale will be administered at baseline (pre-test) and after the 4-week intervention (post-test).

  Baseline and Week 4

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Change in future orientation levels measured by the Future Orientation Scale

  Baseline and Week 4

• Change in biopsychosocial response levels measured by the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students

  Baseline and Week 4

Study Arms (2)

Participants in this group received progressive relaxation exercises (PRE)

EXPERIMENTAL

A structured progressive muscle relaxation program based on Jacobson's technique was implemented. The intervention lasted four weeks, with participants practicing three times per week in 45-minute sessions. The exercises were initially demonstrated in person by the researcher to ensure correct technique. Subsequently, participants followed pre-recorded audio instructions during each session to maintain consistency. The intervention aimed to reduce psychological symptoms and support biopsychosocial well-being in nursing students.

Other: Progressive relaxation exercise

Control group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group did not receive any behavioral or psychological intervention during the study period. They continued their normal academic activities without any additional support or guidance. No relaxation techniques or recordings were provided to this group. Data were collected at the same time points as the experimental group to ensure consistency in measurement.

Interventions

Progressive relaxation exercise OTHER

The intervention was based on Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) technique. Participants in the experimental group practiced PMR three times per week for four weeks. Each session lasted approximately 45 minutes and was conducted in a quiet environment. In the first session, the researcher provided face-to-face instruction. Subsequent sessions were guided by standardized audio recordings, and the participants were followed through scheduled online video calls. The intervention aimed to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and to promote biopsychosocial well-being in nursing students.

Also known as: progressive muscle relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation exercises, Progressive Relaxation Technique, Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Muscle Relaxation Exercise, Progressive Relaxation Training, Jacobson's progressive relaxation technique

Participants in this group received progressive relaxation exercises (PRE)

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Being registered in the Department of Nursing
• Voluntary consent to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

• Having joint or muscle pain, or any condition that may interfere with performing relaxation exercises
• Having a diagnosis of cancer or any chronic disease
• Having a psychiatric disorder that may interfere with obtaining valid results from the study (e.g., major depressive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, serious psychiatric conditions)
• Currently receiving antidepressant, anxiolytic, or similar psychiatric treatment
• Regular use of non-pharmacological methods such as yoga, psychotherapy, or similar practices

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ondokuz Mayıs University: lead
• The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Ondokuz Mayıs University

Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Depression; Anxiety Disorders; Stress, Psychological; Psychological Well-Being; Psychophysiologic Disorders

Interventions

Autogenic Training

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior; Mental Disorders; Personal Satisfaction; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Hypnosis; Mind-Body Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Psychotherapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Participants were blinded to their group allocation during the intervention process. The outcome assessor (statistician) was also blinded to group assignment during data analysis to reduce bias.
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant, PhD in Nursing

Model Details: This study used a two-arm, parallel assignment design. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which received progressive muscle relaxation exercises, or the control group, which received no intervention. A pretest-posttest design was used to assess outcomes.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 18, 2025
• First Posted: June 26, 2025
• Study Start: January 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 1, 2025
• Study Completion: March 1, 2025
• Last Updated: March 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)