Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on Signs and Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome Among Female Nursing Students

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) stands as one the most prevalent health issues, especially among female university students. The syndrome substantially impacts their quality of life and academic performance. The progressive muscle relaxation technique is a calming method that can help lower anxiety, cultivate a sense of pain control, and divert away from the painful body part. Objective: The study sought to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on premenstrual syndrome among female nursing students. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 female students (40 students in the study group and 40 in the control group) enrolled in the third and fourth academic years (2020-2021). Students were randomly assigned to either the control or study group using a random number generator program. The progressive muscle relaxation technique was performed 30 minutes daily for 4 weeks. Baseline data were collected from all students. The premenstrual syndrome scale assessed the intensity of PMS before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test, the student t-test, the Monte Carlo test, the Mann-Whitney test, and the marginal homogeneity test. P<0.05 were considered significant. Results: The study found that the Mean±SD age of the study and control group participants were 22.02+0.73 and 21.95+0.67 years, respectively. Also, more than two-thirds of the students in the study and control groups (70% and 67.5%, respectively) were from rural areas. After the intervention, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the intensity of all physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms among the study group compared to the control group (P<0.05). In addition, the total score of PMS intensity was significantly decreased among the study group after the intervention (P=0.001). In contrast, the total score of the intensity of PMS symptoms was significantly increased in the control group (P=0.034). Conclusion: The study concluded that young adult girls who practiced progressive muscle relaxation techniques exhibited less severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms than those who did not.