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

Ondokuz Mayıs University

Status: Completed

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

Treatments: Other: Progressive relaxation exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07038109

HEM-PGE-RCT-2024-TUBITAK2209-A

1919B012327345 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) on depression, anxiety, stress, future attitude, and biopsychosocial responses among nursing students. The study will be conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University. Data collection will take place between January and March 2025. A total of 104 students will be randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data will be collected using the DASS-21, Future Orientation Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students.

Full description

Nursing students often face academic stress, emotional demands, and clinical responsibilities, which may lead to psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, stress, and concerns about their future. These problems can affect both their well-being and professional competence. Progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) are considered a beneficial method for reducing muscle tension, managing stress, and improving emotional regulation.

This randomized controlled trial is being conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University. The data collection phase is scheduled from January to March 2025. A total of 104 nursing students will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving PMRE) or a control group. A pretest-posttest design will be used. Measurement instruments include the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Future Orientation Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students.

This study is supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), under the 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program.

Enrollment: 104 patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

• 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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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104 participants in 2 patient groups

Participants in this group received progressive relaxation exercises (PRE)

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Other: Progressive relaxation exercise

Control group

No Intervention group

Description:

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.