Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on the Self-Esteem of Myocardial Infarction patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Study

Ischemic heart diseases are usually associated with the high levels of stress, disappointment, and reduced self-esteem. The progressive muscle relaxation techniques are one of non-pharmacological methods, used to relieve the symptoms.
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on the self-esteem of hospitalized patients in coronary care unit of Shariati hospital, in the first half of the year2011.
The study was a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial that 66 hospitalized patients in coronary care unit of Shariati hospital constituted the participants and assigned in intervention and control groups through convenience sampling and block random allocation. Progressive muscle relaxation technique in the intervention group was conducted in seven steps. Participants was conducted the learned technique during the two 20-30 minute's sessions (120-session) in eight-week. Data were collected using a self-reported checklist and Cooper Smith self-esteem questionnaire. Data were analyzed by independent sample T-Test, Repeated measures Analysis of Variance, and Pearson and Spearman Coefficients correlation.
The results of the repeated measured analysis of variance test showed that mean of self-esteem score had significant difference post-intervention in three times in intervention group (P0.05).
Applying progressive muscle relaxation technique by myocardial infarction patients can have positive effects on the improving and enhancing the self-esteem level of the patients.