Study effect of relaxation technique on anxiety and stress in elders with hypertension

Anxiety and stress are among the most important problems of modern life. These problems, particularly in elders who their adaptation to the problems is low, result in serious complications in health. This study was performed to assess the effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) technique on anexiety and stress in the hepertensive elders. This quasi-experimental study was coducted in Kahrizak charity foundation in Tehran, in 2005. In this study, 55 elderly men and women who resided in the centre and suffered from hypertension, were randomelly divided into two groups; experimental (27) and control (28). PMR technique was administrated to the individualls of experimental group for 6 weeks (3 times a week, for 20 minutes). Subsequently, using depression anxiety stress (DAS) questionair, the level of anxiety and stress was measured in the two groups at the beginning, in the third week and at the end of the study. The data was analyzed, using Manvitni, Wilkakson and ANOVA tests. Using PMR, mean of anxiety and stress in the individuals of experimental group was 38.8±4.02, before intervention and decreased to 3434.3±3.7, at the third min. and to 33±5.17, at the end of intervention (p<0.01). In the control group, the means were 38.6±4.14, before intervention, 37.5±6.07 at the third week and 39.5±4.16 at the end of intervention. These differences were statistically sinificant (p<0.05). Also, in the individuals of experimental group, there was a significant decrease in SBP, DBP, HR, RR (p<0.01), wherease in the control group, these parameters, except RR were increased (p<0.01). Our results showed that using non theraputic tecniques such as PMR may control both stress and anxiety and thier compications such as hypertension in elders. This would result in healthy and prolonged life in this age group like others.