The effect of posture and progressive relaxation exercises on perceived stress levels of bus drivers in Turkey and Malta.

Abstract

This randomized controlled study examined the effects of posture and progressive relaxation exercises (PRE) on perceived stress levels among bus drivers in Turkey and Malta. The study included 430 bus drivers working in public transportation services between April and October 2023. The intervention group received posture and PRE training through face-to-face instruction, brochures, audio-supported materials, and an e-learning platform, and practiced the exercises three times weekly for one month, whereas the control group received no intervention. In Turkey, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in PSS-14 scores, with a very large effect size compared with the control group (Cohen's d = 1.51, p = 0.001). In Malta, perceived stress scores also decreased significantly in the intervention group (p = 0.001). The findings indicate that posture and relaxation exercises are effective in reducing stress levels in bus drivers.