Effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on self‑esteem and self‑efficacy in multiple sclerosis patients: A clinical trial study

Low self‑esteem and inefficiency are major problems in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. A progressive muscle relaxation technique is one of the complementary therapies. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation techniques on self‑esteem and self‑efficacy in MS patients.

This clinical trial was conducted on 100 MS patients were randomly divided into two groups of experimental (n = 50) and control (n = 50). The experimental group received progressive muscle relaxation techniques in eight 60‑min sessions twice a week for 4 weeks. Rosenberg’s Self‑Esteem Scale and Self‑Efficacy Scales of MS patients were completed before, immediately, and 4 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16.

The mean score of self‑esteem was not significantly different between the control (26.02 ± 5.83) and experimental (26.40 ± 6.06) groups before intervention (P = 0.247). The mean score of self‑esteem in the control group (27.16 ± 7.45) and the experimental group (29.06 ± 6.61) immediately after the intervention (P = 0.083) was not significantly different. 4 weeks after the intervention, the mean scores of self‑esteem in the control (26.96 ± 8.33) and the experimental (29.98 ± 7.02) groups were significantly different (P = 0.012). The mean score of self‑efficacy was significantly different between the control (41.62 ± 4.46) and experimental (39.32 ± 4.31) groups before intervention (P = 0.010). The mean scores of self‑efficacy in the control group (38.38 ± 5.07) and the experimental group (44 ± 4.46) immediately after the intervention (P < 0.001) and 4 weeks after intervention showed a significant difference between the control group (38.04 ± 5.46) and the experimental (46.40 ± 5.04) groups (P < 0.001).

Due to the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on self‑esteem and self‑efficacy of MS patients, its safety and simplicity, this technique can be used as a complementary therapy to enhance the level of self‑esteem and self‑efficacy of MS patients.