The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on depressive symptoms in elderly people

Abstract

Context: Depression is one of the most common old-age psychiatric disorders. Aims: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on depressive symptoms in elders. Setting and Design: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in two seniors daycare centers of Mazandaran in 2019. Materials and Methods: A total of 76 elderly people divided into intervention and control groups (38 each). The intervention group performed relaxation exercises twice a day for 30 days, and the control group received only the routine cares. The two groups’ depression was assessed before and a month after relaxation using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed in SPSS-22 using Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. Results: After a month, depression score in the intervention group reduced from 7.13 ± 1.14 to 5.55 ± 0.98 (P < 0.001), but the score change in the control group was not significant (from 7.13 ± 0.96 to 7.18 ± 0.83) (P = 0.655). The intervention significantly changed depression score in elders (P < 0.001). Conclusion: A month of progressive muscle relaxation appears to improve depressive symptoms in elderly people. Implementing of such measures is recommended in the day care centers.