The Effectiveness of Using Progressive Muscle Relaxation Techniques on Quality of Life, Stress, And Anxiety Among Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review

The progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) is an active method that is defined as a technique through which individuals gradually cause a feeling of quietness and coolness by actively contracting and loosening specific muscle groups. The purpose of this study was to review the effectiveness of using progressive muscle relaxation techniques on quality of life, stress, and anxiety levels among Acute Myocardial Infarction patients. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (2013-2023). Databases of Pub Med through (Medline), EBSCO, and Cochrane Library were conducted for trials of progressive muscle relaxation techniques on quality of life, stress, and anxiety levels as clinical outcomes. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed and verified. The Cochrane Risk of Bias instrument tool was used to appraise the selected articles critically. Seven out of 40 studies included 420 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The progressive muscle relaxation technique is more effective and statistically significant regarding quality of life (p < 0.05). Stress as an outcome was decreased after PMRT (p < 0.05), and anxiety levels (p = 0.001). The progressive muscle relaxation technique revealed a significant effect on patients' quality of life, stress, and anxiety levels. However, results need to be confirmed using more high-quality RCTs. Therefore, frequent evaluation is suggested for the available primary studies to prove the findings. Applying the PMRT as part of the cardiac rehabilitation program will help in enhancing patient outcomes. A combination of PMRT with other interventions will increase the efficacy of the PMRT. Follow-up in the long term will improve the generalizability of the findings for MI patients and among different patients with other cardiac diseases.