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Non-randomised trial, 2016

Does progressive muscle relaxation reduce PMS symptoms?

Progressive muscle relaxation appeared to reduce PMS symptoms in this small study, but without a comparison group the effect cannot be proven.

Early or limited evidence 50 hostel students with PMS

What they did

Nonrandomized trial of 50 hostel students with PMS selected from 200. Women kept symptom diaries for one month before the intervention. Then they did progressive muscle relaxation for 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week, for 2 months. After this, they kept symptom diaries for another month.

What they found

Before intervention, 66% had severe psychological symptoms; after, 68% had moderate and 32% had mild symptoms. Before intervention, 56% had severe pain symptoms and 44% moderate; after, 82% had moderate and 8% had mild symptoms. Overall PMS score showed significant reduction (p<0.05).

What it means for you

Muscle relaxation may help reduce PMS symptoms, but without a comparison group it is unclear whether improvement was due to the intervention or just time and attention. The study included only college students, limiting how findings apply to all women with PMS.

50

Number of women

2 months

Duration of intervention

p < 0.05

Significance of PMS score reduction

About the study

Original title
EFFECTIVENESS OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION TECHNIQUE ON PRE MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS AMONG THE HOSTEL STUDENTS
Authors
B. Annapoorani
Year
2016
Study design
Non-randomised trial
What was tested
Progressive muscle relaxation 30 minutes daily, 5 days per week for 2 months

Topics