The Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Symptom Severity and Quality of Life in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on symptom severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 57 IBS patients (28 in an intervention group and 29 in a control group) who were consulted in the gastroenterology outpatient clinic of Erzurum City Hospital in Erzuerum, Turkey. The patients in the intervention group performed progressive muscle relaxation every day for 6 weeks at home, while the control group did not receive any treatment. The patient information form, IBS Symptom Severity Scores, and IBS Quality of Life Scale were used to collect data. The mean IBS symptom severity score of the patients who performed progressive muscle relaxation was significantly lower compared to that of the control group (p < .001). The mean IBS Quality of Life score of the patients in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < .050). Progressive muscle relaxation reduced the severity of IBS symptoms and improved quality of life. Based on these results, it is recommended that patients with IBS perform progressive muscle relaxation exercises to achieve significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life.