Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Nursing Students: Effects on Psychological and Biopsychosocial Outcomes

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Depression; Anxiety; Stress, Psychological; Mental Health; Students, Nursing; Adaptation, Psychological; Psychophysiologic Disorders; Relaxation Therapy; Progressive Relaxation Exercise; Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise

• Registration Number: NCT07038109
• Lead Sponsor: Ondokuz Mayıs University

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) on depression, anxiety, stress, future attitude, and biopsychosocial responses among nursing students. The study will be conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University. Data collection will take place between January and March 2025. A total of 104 students will be randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data will be collected using the DASS-21, Future Orientation Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students.

Detailed Description

Nursing students often face academic stress, emotional demands, and clinical responsibilities, which may lead to psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, stress, and concerns about their future. These problems can affect both their well-being and professional competence. Progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) are considered a beneficial method for reducing muscle tension, managing stress, and improving emotional regulation.

This randomized controlled trial is being conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ondokuz Mayis University. The data collection phase is scheduled from January to March 2025. A total of 104 nursing students will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving PMRE) or a control group. A pretest-posttest design will be used. Measurement instruments include the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Future Orientation Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students.

This study is supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), under the 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2025-01-01
• Primary Completion: 2025-03-01
• Study Completion: 2025-03-01
• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-18
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-18
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-18
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-26
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-26

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 104

Inclusion Criteria

• Being registered in the Department of Nursing
• Voluntary consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Having joint or muscle pain, or any condition that may interfere with performing relaxation exercises
• Having a diagnosis of cancer or any chronic disease
• Having a psychiatric disorder that may interfere with obtaining valid results from the study (e.g., major depressive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, serious psychiatric conditions)
• Currently receiving antidepressant, anxiolytic, or similar psychiatric treatment
• Regular use of non-pharmacological methods such as yoga, psychotherapy, or similar practices

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in depression, anxiety, and stress levels measured by DASS-21	Baseline and Week 4	The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) will be used to assess changes in psychological symptoms. It consists of three subscales measuring depression, anxiety, and stress. The scale will be administered at baseline (pre-test) and after the 4-week intervention (post-test).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in future orientation levels measured by the Future Orientation Scale	Baseline and Week 4	The Future Orientation Scale will be used to evaluate students' attitudes toward the future, including goal-setting, planning, and optimism. The scale will be administered before and after the intervention to detect changes.
Change in biopsychosocial response levels measured by the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students	Baseline and Week 4	This scale measures students' emotional, physical, and social stress-related symptoms. It will be administered at baseline and after the intervention to assess changes in biopsychosocial well-being.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ondokuz Mayıs University; 🇹🇷 Samsun, Turkey