Key result
Progressive muscle relaxation linked to ~9 mmHg lower blood pressure by Day 3.
Why the study?
Poorly controlled hypertension in the elderly can cause serious complications, and this study evaluated the effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation as a complementary non-pharmacological therapy for blood pressure management.
Does Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) reduce blood pressure and pain in older adults with hypertension?
Case Report (n=3)
Open-label
No
Does Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) reduce blood pressure and pain in older adults with hypertension?
In this 3-patient nursing case study, 3 days of Progressive Muscle Relaxation modestly reduced systolic blood pressure and head/neck pain scores in elderly individuals with hypertension, supporting its use as a complementary non-pharmacological nursing intervention.
May support adjunctive PMR for hypertension in older adults; hypothesis-generating and leaves open confirmation in larger trials.
Background & Objective: Hypertension is a common non-communicable disease among the elderly that can cause serious complications if blood pressure is poorly controlled. Management includes pharmacological therapy (antihypertensive drugs) and non-pharmacological therapy as a complement, such as lifestyle modification, dietary adjustment, physical activity, stress management, and complementary therapies like Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of PMR on blood pressure in elderly people with hypertension in RW 07, Rawasari Village. Method: Nursing care was provided to three elderly hypertensive patients using the nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, intervention, implementation, and evaluation. PMR was performed for 3 consecutive days according to the SOP at each elderly person's home. Result: On the first day, the average blood pressure decrease was 5 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic pressure. On the second day, the average decrease was 7.3 mmHg, and on the third day, it was 8.7 mmHg. The average decrease in the pain scale over three days was 1. These findings prove that PMR is effective in reducing blood pressure and pain in elderly individuals with hypertension. Conclusion: The application of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) in elderly hypertensive patients with pain problems is proven effective. This non-pharmacological therapy can be recommended as a nursing intervention in the management of hypertension in the elderly.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kurwiyah et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Hypertension with moderate pain in older adults (n=3). Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) vs. Pre-intervention baseline was evaluated on Average blood pressure reduction on Day 3 (MD -8.7 mmHg). Progressive Muscle Relaxation reduced blood pressure by an average of 5 mmHg on Day 1, 7.3 mmHg on Day 2, and 8.7 mmHg on Day 3, while decreasing the pain scale by 1 point in older adults.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: