Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Patients Lifestyle with Myocardial Infarction: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Nowadays, Non-communicable diseases are widespread due to modernization of societies, technology development, population density in urban areas, and changes in life style. Variety of cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of death and important factors of failure in most countries including Iran.This study was conducted to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on the lifestyle of patients with myocardial infarction. In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, after sampling, 66 patients were randomly selected and assigned to either the control or test group. An orientation session was held to explain the research goals and intervention. The test group did the progressive muscle relaxation techniques, two 20-30 minute sessions daily for two months (120 sessions). Data collection tools were demographic information questionnaire, lifestyle questionnaire, and self report check list. Independent t- test and mann-whitney U showed there are no significant differences in four aspects of life before the intervention, but these differences were significant after the intervention(P<0.05). ANOVA with repeated measures in three different times (before, 1 and 2 months after intervention) showed significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Applying progressive muscle relaxation technique on various aspects of life of patients suffering myocardial infarction would modify, adjust and improve their lifestyles.