Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Pain, Kinesiophobia and Functional Status

Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Pain, Kinesiophobia and Functional Status in Fibromyalgia Patients

Relaxation techniques are a non-pharmacological therapy option applied to alleviate the symptoms of many different chronic diseases. It has been reported in the literature that PMR is effective on pain, fatigue and stress symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. No study has been found examining the effect of PMR on kinesiophobia and functional status in FM. This study was planned to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on pain, kinesiophobia and functional status in fibromyalgia patients.

Fibromyalgia (FM), which is a chronic pain disorder, is a difficult disease to treat, and it is stated that a multidisciplinary approach is required in its treatment rather than a single treatment method. Approaches that consider optimal symptom management and functional status in treatment, include non-pharmacological methods in addition to pharmacological treatment, and include psychosocial and behavioral methods are recommended. Non-pharmacological methods that have proven their effectiveness in FM treatment include aerobic exercise, patient education, cognitive therapies, balneotherapy, and physical therapy agents. One of the methods that can be applied in patients with FM is progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises. PMR is an easy, low-cost, and side-effect-free relaxation technique. PMR helps individuals feel calmer and more relaxed through sequential muscle tension and relaxation. It has been reported in the literature that PMR is effective on pain, fatigue and stress symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. No study has been found examining the effect of PMR on kinesiophobia and functional status in FM. Therefore, this study was planned to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on pain, kinesiophobia and functional status in fibromyalgia patients.

To examine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on pain, kinesiophobia and functional status in fibromyalgia patients.

Experimental group Fibromyalgia patients will be provided with progressive relaxation exercises twice a week. Progressive relaxation technique includes stretching and relaxing the bigmuscle groups (hands, arms, neck, shoulders, face, chest, abdomen,hip, feet andfingers) in the human body on purpose. When steps ofProgressive Relaxation Exercises are analyzed, it is observed thatlearning how to take correct and deep breaths is the most impor-tant step towards learning relaxation.

The pain scores of the patients will be measured before the PMR application and at the end of the PMR application (at the end of the 8th week) two days a week for the 8th week using the visual pain scale. The pain score is min 1 - max 10.

The Kinesiophobia scores of patients will be measured before the PMR application and at the end of the PMR application (at the end of the 8th week) two days a week for the 8th week. A total of 17-68 points are obtained from the scale.

The functional status scores of patients will be measured before the PMR application and at the end of the PMR application (at the end of the 8th week) two days a week for the 8th week. A high score indicates increased disability due to FM.

Inclusion Criteria: Being older than 18 years of age Having been diagnosed with fibromiyalgia for at least 6 months ago. Having no mental disability Exclusion Criteria: Individuals receiving another complementary and integrative treatment Individuals who have done progressive muscle relaxation exercise before.