Defined effects of progressive muscle relaxation on stress responses in Jordanian nursing students

Joint Event on 21^st Global Nursing Education Conference & 4^th International Conference on Holistic Medicine and Nursing Care

March 25-26, 2019 | Orlando, USA

Hossam N. Alhawatmeh

Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Jordanian nursing students can experience tremendous stress, related to negative physical, emotional, and cognitive health responses. Specificity theories of relaxation claim that each approach of relaxation is associated with specific effects on stress responses and different health benefits. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), classified as a somatic technique, works better to improve physical responses. However, research offers conflicting support for this notion. This study investigated the defined effects of PMR on stress responses in Jordanian nursing students. Using an experimental repeated measures design, 28 participants from a university in Jordan were randomly assigned into an experimental group receiving 6-session PMR or control group watching 6 documentary videos twice a week for three weeks. The outcomes were measured at baseline, middle, and end of PMR in both groups using the Smith Stress Symptoms Inventory including 6 dimensions measuring physical, emotional, and physical stress responses, automated blood pressure (BP)/heart rate (HR) monitor, and finger skin temperature (FST) thermometer. PMR significantly decreased the physical responses of SBP and DBP but did not decrease muscle tension or increase FST. PMR decreased anger but did not reduce depression and anxiety as emotional responses. For cognitive responses, PMR did not decrease worry. In conclusion, the findings partially support specificity theories of relaxation.

Biography :

E-mail: hnhawatmeh@just.edu.jo