The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on the Outcomes of Myocardial Infarction: Review Study

Acute myocardial infarction is the most serious and deadliest form of coronary artery disease. In spite of advances in diagnosis and treatment, acute myocardial infarction is a major health problem in the world and is significantly rising in developing countries. Evidence suggests that physical activity-based rehabilitation programs after cardiovascular events have an important role in reducing mortality and morbidity and improving living conditions in these patients. Cardiac rehabilitation is an essential component of the care program for patients with myocardial infarction. One of the non-pharmacological methods for reducing these symptoms is the progressive muscle relaxation technique, which emphasizes on the reduction of muscle tone in the body. In this technique, the muscle of the body contracts and then relaxes. This relaxation method follows the psycho-neuro-immunological theory and, by using the psycho-endocrine system and activating the sympathetic and parasympathetic system, controls the side effects of stress. The positive effects of this technique on some diseases have been confirmed. It has been shown that it can be helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and pain. The present review study introduces the progressive muscle relaxation technique and its effects on the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction.