Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises (PMR) combined with Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises on stress, anxiety, depression levels, sleep quality and exercise capacity of young adults.
Materials and methods: In this study, young adults aged 18-25 years were examined in two groups by simple randomization. Participants whose sociodemographic information was obtained were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to determine the level of physical activity, the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to measure sleep quality, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 42) to determine the level of stress and depression, and the Shuttle test to determine exercise capacity. Gait Test was used. PMR and diaphragmatic breathing exercises were given to the Study Group (SG) for 7 d / wk and 6 weeks.
Results: The study included 84 young adults (SG; n=43, CG; n=41) with a mean age of X̄=22.15±1.42 (19-25) years. Healthy young adults who completed PMR exercise training in the SG, showed more significant improvement than the CG on stress, anxiety and depression levels (p=0.000) and sleep quality (p=0.002). After PMR training, SG’s; Sleep Delay (p=0.001), Sleep Disorders (p=0.000) and Day Drowsiness (p=0.002) decreased. There was no significant difference between the groups in exercise capacity and IPAQ scores (p>0.05).
Conclusion: In this study, it was concluded that PMR training is an effective method for coping with stress, anxiety and depression and improving sleep quality. Although PMR training has some effect on exercise capacity and physical activity level, PMR exercises are not the only factor in such improvements. Environmental conditions, emotional state or physical activity level of the person also played a role.
Cite this article as: Oğuz S, Keskin Dilbay N, Çeliktaş E, Balcılar R, Polat MG. Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Stress, Sleep Quality and Exercises Capacity in Young Adults. Journal of Health Science and Profession 2019; 6(3): 534-44.