Effects of progressive muscle relaxation therapy with home exercise on pain,fatigue,and stress in subjects with fibromyalgia syndrome: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Fibromyalgia is accompanied by symptoms of fatigue, depression, sleep disorders, and physical and mental stress [1]. It is a difficult-to-treat disorder because its exact causes are unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy (PMRT) on pain, fatigue, and stress in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

METHODS:

Thirty-seven patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (age: 20–65 years) were randomly allocated to the PMRT group ( $n_1=$ 18, 2 men and 16 women) or non-PMRT group ( $n_2=$ 19, 2 men and 17 women). The PMRT group received PMRT twice a week for 8 weeks and the non-PMRT group received conventional physical therapies such as electro-stimulation and heat therapies during this period. The outcome was evaluated before and after 8 week sofintervention using the Visual Analogue Scale, Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue, Perceived Stress Scale, and measurement of the blood pressure and pulse rate.

RESULTS:

Pain and fatigue significantly decreased in the PMRT group compared with the non-PMRT group (both $P<$ 0.001). In addition, perceived stress ( $P<$ 0.001), systolic blood pressure ( $P<$ 0.001), diastolic blood pressure ( $P<$ 0.05), and pulse rate ( $P<$ 0.001) significantly decreased in the PMRT group compared with the non-PMRT group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings indicate that progressive muscle relaxation therapy is a viable rehabilitative therapy for pain, fatigue, and stress symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.