A study to assess the effectiveness of Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on pain and sleep quality among post-cesarean section mothers at selected hospitals of Punjab.

IntroductionCesarean section is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide to ensure maternal and fetal well-being. However, post cesarean mothers often experience acute postoperative pain and impaired sleep quality which can negatively impact their physical recovery emotional well-being and ability to care for their newborns. Effective pain management and improved sleep quality are crucial for enhancing maternal postpartum recovery and overall health outcomes

Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation has been found effective in managing pain and anxiety among various patient populations including postoperative mothers. The technique works by reducing muscle tension enhancing circulation and promoting parasympathetic nervous system activity which can alleviate postoperative discomfort and improve sleep quality. Given its simplicity cost effectiveness and non invasive nature Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation can be an essential adjunct to standard post cesarean care

Review of LiteratureDevmurari and Nagrale 2018 conducted a quasi experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation in managing pain among post cesarean women. The study included thirty four participants with the experimental group practicing Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation for five consecutive days. Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. Results indicated a significant reduction in pain levels in the experimental group compared to the control group demonstrating the effectiveness of Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation as a non pharmacological pain management technique

Ismail and Elgzar 2018 conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of progressive muscle relaxation on post cesarean pain sleep quality and physical activity limitations. The study included sixty participants divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group practiced Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation daily for one week. Findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality reduced pain perception and enhanced physical activity tolerance among the intervention group. The study concluded that Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation is an effective adjunct therapy for postoperative recovery

Ismail and Elgzar 2021 examined the effects of Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation on postoperative pain activity tolerance and sleep quality in eighty post cesarean patients. Participants were assigned to either an experimental or control group with the experimental group practicing Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation for thirty minutes three times a day. The REEDA scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used for assessment. Results demonstrated significant reductions in pain scores and improvements in sleep quality among the intervention group supporting Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation as a beneficial technique in postoperative care

Problem StatementA study to assess the effectiveness of Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on pain and sleep quality among post cesarean section mothers at selected hospitals of Punjab

Aim of the StudyThe aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique on pain and sleep quality among post cesarean section mothers

Justification for StudyPost cesarean section mothers commonly experience significant pain and sleep disturbances due to surgical trauma hormonal changes and postpartum stress. Uncontrolled pain can lead to delayed recovery increased stress poor maternal infant bonding and higher healthcare costs due to prolonged hospital stays. Additionally sleep deprivation is linked to postpartum depression impaired wound healing and reduced lactation efficiency affecting both maternal and neonatal outcomes

Traditional pain management relies on pharmacological interventions such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs. However these medications carry risks of side effects including nausea dizziness sedation and potential dependency limiting their long term use. Non pharmacological interventions particularly relaxation techniques have gained attention as complementary approaches to pain and stress management in postpartum care

Objectives1 To assess and compare the effect of Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique on level of pain among post cesarean section mothers in experimental and comparison groups 2 To assess and compare the effect of Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique on sleep quality among post cesarean section mothers in experimental and comparison groups 3 To find out the association of post test pain level among post cesarean section mothers with selected socio demographic variables in experimental and comparison groups 4 To find out the association of post test sleep quality among post cesarean section mothers with selected socio demographic variables in experimental and comparison groups

HypothesesH1a There will be a significant difference in mean pre and post test score of pain among post cesarean mothers in the experimental group H1b There will be a significant difference in mean post test score of pain among post cesarean mothers in experimental and comparison groups H2a There will be a significant difference between mean pre and post test score of sleep quality among post cesarean mothers in experimental group H2b There will be a significant difference between mean post test score of sleep quality among post cesarean mothers in experimental and comparison groups H3a There will be a significant association of post test level of pain among post cesarean mothers in experimental group with their selected socio demographic variables H3b There will be a significant association of post test level of pain among post cesarean mothers in comparison group with their selected socio demographic variables H4a There will be a significant association of post test sleep quality among post cesarean mothers in experimental group with their selected socio demographic variables H4b There will be a significant association of post test sleep quality among post cesarean mothers in comparison group with their selected socio demographic variables

MethodologyResearch Approach Quantitative research approach Research Design Quasi experimental pre test post test design with comparison group Research Setting Selected hospitals of Punjab including Mata Kaushalya Hospital AP Jan Hospital and Six Phase Government Hospital Mohali Population Post cesarean section mothers admitted in the postnatal ward Sample Size Calculated using Cohen formula Effect size 0.5 significance level 0.05 power 80 Sample size per group 32 Total sample size 64 Data Analysis Descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software

Risk and BenefitsThere is minimal risk from participation in this study. The potential benefits include reduced pain and improved sleep quality among post cesarean mothers

Expected OutcomesIt is anticipated that Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation will significantly reduce pain and improve sleep quality among post cesarean section mothers in the experimental group compared to the comparison group. Findings will help in incorporating Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation as a standard non pharmacological intervention in postnatal care

Ethical ConsiderationsApproval will be obtained from the institutional ethical committee. Informed consent will be taken from all participants. Confidentiality and anonymity of data will be maintained

Data Collection ProcedurePermission to collect the data will be obtained from Mata Kaushalya Hospital AP Jan Hospital Rajpura and Six Phase Government Hospital Mohali. A brief about the study will be explained to the patients and written informed consent will be obtained. The intervention Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique will be given for five days. Post test will be conducted on the sixth day