The Effects of Jaw Relaxation on Stress and Physiological Indicators in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Backgrounds: Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress. However, few studies are available on the effects of jaw relaxation on stress and physiological indicators of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effect of jaw relaxation on stress and physiological indicators of patients with ACS. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 64 patients with ACS hospitalized in two hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The patients were selected using consecutive sampling and were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 32) and a control (n = 32) group. Jaw relaxation was performed for the subjects in the intervention group twice a day and for 3 days. The subjects in the control group received their routine care. The data were collected using Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale and a checklist for recording physiological indicators. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square, and the independent samples t test. Results: The mean stress score in the intervention group decreased from 26.03 ± 15.97 to 11.45 ± 14.75 (P < 0.001). However, the difference was not significant in the control group. The mean diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and arterial oxygen saturation were not significantly different between the two groups before the intervention (P > 0.05). However, after interaction, the mean of these variables was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of jaw relaxation together with medical treatments has a positive effect on the recovery of patients with ACS and helps them manage their stress.