Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy on Stress and Anxiety of Patients from Traffic Accidents

Abstract

Purpose: This study was to examine the effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy on stress and anxiety of traffic accident patients. Method: Subjects of this study were 39 hospitalized patients at orthopedic ward. An experimental group received Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy five times each week for four weeks beginning from the fourth day following the injury, whereas a control group received regular care. A tape of Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy recorded in Korean by the Rheumatoid Health Academic Society was used for relaxation therapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS 13.0 for Windows. Results: Patients who received Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy experienced lower level of stress (t=-9.829, p<.001) and anxiety (t=-15.303, p<.001) than those who did not. Conclusion: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy may be an effective nursing intervention to reduce levels of stress and anxiety of traffic accident patients.