The effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on the anxiety and sleep quality of patients with COVID‐19: A randomized controlled study

Purpose This study aimed to determine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on the anxiety and sleep quality of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods This is an experimental study. Its data were collected in the infectious diseases clinic of a research hospital from May to August, 2020. This study was carried out with 67 COVID-19 patients (33 in the experimental group and 34 in the control group). The data were collected using a personal information form, the state-trait anxiety inventory, and the Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. The progressive muscle relaxation exercises were performed twice a day for 5 days with the researcher's supervision. The data were analyzed using means, numbers, percentage distributions, the χ 2 test, the dependent t test, and the independent t test. Results Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups' mean posttest scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (p < 0.05). The in-group comparison of the experimental group found a statistically significant difference between their mean pretest and posttest scores on the State Anxiety Scale (p < 0.05). The in-group comparison of the control group found no statistically significant changes in their mean pretest and posttest scores on the State Anxiety Scale (p > 0.05). Conclusion The progressive muscle relaxation exercises effectively reduced the anxiety and improved the sleep quality of patients with COVID-19.