2019, Cilt 6, Sayı 2, Sayfa(lar) 074-083
Using Progressive Relaxation Exercises in Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: Systematic Review
Cemile KÜTMEÇ YILMAZ1, Sevgisun KAPUCU2
1Aksaray Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi, Hemşirelik Bölümü, Aksaray, Türkiye
2Hacettepe Üniversitesi, Hemşirelik Fakültesi, İç Hastalıkları Hemşireliği AD. Ankara
Keywords: COPD, nursing, progressive relaxation exercise

Aim: The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercise (PMR) on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Material and Methods: In order to determine the effects of PMR in COPD patients, 2553 studies were reviewed by using Ulakbim, PubMed and Science Direct databases with the last search date of July 2018 and 310 articles related to PMR were reached. 8 studies that met the study criteria were reviewed in terms of objectives, methods, findings and outcome. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies investigating the effects of PMR on COPD patients were included in the study.

Results: In this study, seven RCTs and one quasi-experimental study were examined. The studies reported that PMR were effective in decreasing fatigue, anxiety and depression and increasing sleep quality in COPD patients. In addition, it was also found that PMR was effective on physiological parameters (blood pressure, heart beat rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation) and peak expiratory flow rate.

Conclusion: Since PMR is effective in the management of many symptoms in COPD patients, it is recommended that that randomized controlled trials may be conducted to provide more evidence for the field.