The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training on Anxiety Levels and Quality of Life in Dialysis Patients

Aim: To determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) on anxiety levels and quality of life (QoL) in dialysis patients.

Methods: A total of 46 patients who had been treated with dialysis in the Dialysis Center of Ege University Medical Faculty Hospital were recruited. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire. Patients' Recognition Form (PRF), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and QoL-index for dialysis patients (QoLI-dialysis) were used to collect the necessary data. All three forms were utilised prior to PMRT and 6 weeks after completion of PMRT.

Results: The mean state-anxiety score before and after PMRT was found as 43.4 +/- 4.3 and 28.9 +/- 2.8, respectively (P<0.001). Similarly, the mean trait-anxiety scores before and after PMRT were found as 43.6 +/- 9.5 and 31.1 +/- 6.5, respectively (P<0.001). When the QoLI-dialysis score was examined it was 28.7 +/- 3.2 before PMRT and 29.6 +/- 2.3 after PMRT (P<0.01).

Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate that PMRT for dialysis patients helps decrease state- and trait-anxiety levels and has a positive impact on QoL.