The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Symptoms and General Well-being of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
İlkay Yurtsever, Şerife Karagözoğlu
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) for symptoms and well-being in adults with multiple sclerosis. Ten studies involving 671 participants were included. The review reported significant reductions in fatigue (p = .004) and pain (p < .0001), alongside generally positive effects on symptoms and overall well-being. Some studies could not be pooled because of methodological differences, and the abstract does not quantify effects on other outcomes. The authors conclude that PMR may be useful as complementary care for people with MS.
Key findings
- Ten studies with 671 participants were included in the review.
- PMR was associated with a significant reduction in fatigue (p = .004).
- PMR was associated with a significant reduction in pain (p < .0001).
- The review reported generally positive effects on symptoms and overall well-being.
Why it matters
Fatigue and pain are among the MS-related outcomes evaluated, and the review found statistically significant reductions in both with PMR. This provides a synthesis of evidence for a nonpharmacological approach that may complement care. However, the abstract does not provide effect sizes or establish the magnitude of benefit across the broader set of well-being outcomes.
What to keep in mind
Some studies were not included in the meta-analysis because of methodological differences, limiting the pooled evidence.