Comparative effects of diaphragmatic breathing and progressive relaxation exercises on symptoms, quality of life, and anxiety in gastroesophageal reflux disease

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation interventions on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, quality of life, levels of anxiety, and depression in patients with GERD. This randomized, parallel-group study included 34 patients diagnosed with GERD. All participants were evaluated using the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ), the Gastroesophageal Reflux Quality of Life Questionnaire (GERQLQ), the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia Questionnaire (QOLRAD), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and pulmonary function testing before and after the 8-week exercise program. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups. First group participated in progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE), while second group performed diaphragmatic breathing exercises (DBE). There were significant differences in GERDQ ( p = 0.013), GERQLQ ( p < 0.001), QOLRAD ( p < 0.001), and HADS ( p < 0.001) scores between before and after the intervention in PMRE group. Also, there were significant differences in GERDQ ( p < 0.001), GERQLQ ( p < 0.001), QOLRAD ( p < 0.001), and HADS ( p < 0.001) scores between before and after the intervention in DBE group. The results of the t-test revealed that there were significant differences in GERDQ ( p < 0.001), GERQLQ ( p < 0.001), QOLRAD ( p < 0.001), and HADS ( p = 0.002) scores between groups. DBE showed greater improvements in reducing reflux symptoms and enhancing quality of life, whereas PMRE had a greater impact on reducing anxiety and depression levels. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06812650, Date of registration: 02 February 2025.