Author/Authors :
Hayati, Ahmad Health Sciences Research Center - Addiction Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Fanisaberi, Laleh Health Sciences Research Center - Addiction Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Yaghobi, Tahereh Health Sciences Research Center - Addiction Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Pourasghar, Mehdi Behavioral Sciences Research Center - Addiction Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Mousavinasab, Nouroeddin Department of Biostatistics - Health Sciences Research Center - Addiction Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran , Taraghi, Zohreh Health Sciences Research Center - Addiction Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Context: Depression is one of the most common old-age psychiatric disorders.
Aims: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on
depressive symptoms in elders.
Setting and Design: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in two seniors daycare centers of
Mazandaran in 2019.
Materials and Methods: A total of 76 elderly people divided into intervention and control groups (38
each). The intervention group performed relaxation exercises twice a day for 30 days, and the control
group received only the routine cares. The two groups’ depression was assessed before and a month after
relaxation using the Geriatric Depression Scale.
Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed in SPSS-22 using Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.
Results: After a month, depression score in the intervention group reduced from 7.13 ± 1.14 to
5.55 ± 0.98 (P < 0.001), but the score change in the control group was not significant (from 7.13 ± 0.96
to 7.18 ± 0.83) (P = 0.655). The intervention significantly changed depression score in elders (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: A month of progressive muscle relaxation appears to improve depressive symptoms in elderly
people. Implementing of such measures is recommended in the day care centers.
