EFFECTIVENESS OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES ON DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS-A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy college students repeatedly experience different stresses which render them more vulnerable to psychological problems that may affect their emotional, psychosocial and physical health. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among physiotherapy students and to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMR)on reducing depression, anxiety and stress among students. Methodology: A quasi experimental study design with purposive sampling technique. Study setting- KMCH college of physiotherapy, Coimbatore. A sample of 20 subjects between the age of 19 to 22 years, randomly categorised into two groups- experimental group and control group respectively. Group A trained with progressive muscle Intervention: relaxation. Group B allowed to do their routine activities. Outcome measures were depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS 42). RESULTS: There is a significant statistical difference between pre test and post test values of DASS. Conclusion: This study concludes JPMR technique is very effective in reducing depression, anxiety and stress among physiotherapy students.