COVID-19 Evidence Alerts
from McMaster PLUS^TM

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on the anxiety and sleep quality of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an experimental study. Its data were collected in the infectious diseases clinic of a research hospital from May to August, 2020. This study was carried out with 67 COVID-19 patients (33 in the experimental group and 34 in the control group). The data were collected using a personal information form, the state-trait anxiety inventory, and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. The progressive muscle relaxation exercises were performed twice a day for 5 days with the researcher's supervision. The data were analyzed using means, numbers, percentage distributions, the ? 2 test, the dependent t test, and the independent t test.

RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups' mean posttest scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (p < 0.05). The in-group comparison of the experimental group found a statistically significant difference between their mean pretest and posttest scores on the State Anxiety Scale (p < 0.05). The in-group comparison of the control group found no statistically significant changes in their mean pretest and posttest scores on the State Anxiety Scale (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The progressive muscle relaxation exercises effectively reduced the anxiety and improved the sleep quality of patients with COVID-19.

FM/GP/Mental Health rater

Experiment group (X ± SD). Control group (X ± SD). Test value and significance Pretest State Anxiety Scale 62.33 ±8.33 60.68 ±9.17 t=0.773, p=0.442. Trait Anxiety Scale 48.12 ±5.22 45.35 ±8.09 t=1.658, p=0.102. Final test State Anxiety Scale 44.67 ±5.41 61.29 ±7.95 t=-9.982, p=0.000. Test value and significance t=10.618 t=-0.453, p=0.000 p=0.652.