--- title: Does online muscle relaxation training or lifestyle changes reduce PMS symptoms and improve work performance? description: Yes, both approaches significantly reduced PMS symptoms and improved work performance. Progressive muscle relaxation was slightly more effective for pain and url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effect-of-web-based-progressive-muscle-relaxation-and-lifestyle-interventions-on-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does online muscle relaxation training or lifestyle changes reduce PMS symptoms and improve work performance? Randomised trial, 2026 # Does online muscle relaxation training or lifestyle changes reduce PMS symptoms and improve work performance? Yes, both approaches significantly reduced PMS symptoms and improved work performance. Progressive muscle relaxation was slightly more effective for pain and overall symptom severity. Moderate study design 68 women diagnosed with PMS ## What they did 68 women with PMS were randomly assigned to online progressive muscle relaxation training (22 women), online lifestyle intervention (22 women), or no intervention (24 women). They were assessed at baseline, after the program, and 4 weeks later on pain, symptom severity, anxiety, depression, work balance, work performance, and quality of life. ## What they found Both intervention groups improved significantly compared to control. The muscle relaxation group had the lowest pain scores (p = 0.027) and symptom severity (p = 0.007) at follow-up. Both groups significantly improved work performance and satisfaction (p < 0.001). The lifestyle group also improved irritability, depressive thoughts, and sleep (p < 0.001). ## What it means for you Online programs using muscle relaxation or lifestyle advice may help reduce PMS symptoms and improve how PMS affects work life. This is a small study, so larger studies are needed to confirm these results. 68 Total women in the study 22 Women in each intervention group p < 0.001 Work performance improvement in both groups ## About the study Original title Effect of web-based progressive muscle relaxation and lifestyle interventions on psychological well-being, occupational performance, and quality of life in women with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial with 4-week follow-up Authors Karakus A, Akyurek G Journal Journal of affective disorders Year 2026 Study design Randomised trial Participants 24 What was tested Online progressive muscle relaxation training or web-based lifestyle intervention compared to no intervention Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2026.121278](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2026.121278) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Apps and digital interventions](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-digital-health/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2026 Do mindfulness and relaxation techniques help with PMS symptoms? Survey study, 2026 Are menstrual characteristics linked to depression and anxiety in teenage girls? Systematic review, 2026 Do digital tools and apps help reduce PMS and PMDD symptoms? Survey study, 2026 Does exercise help college women with period problems and mental health? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2025 How do personality traits like neuroticism affect PMS severity and sexual satisfaction? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗