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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07038109

Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Nursing Students: Effects on Psychological and Biopsychosocial Outcomes

This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) on depression, anxiety, stress, future-oriented attitudes, and biopsychosocial responses in nursing students. The study was conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 with students enrolled in the Nursing Department. Data collection took place between January and March 2025. When selecting participants, a list of participants meeting the inclusion criteria was created using snowball sampling. A total of 104 students were randomly divided into experimental and control groups of 52 students each. Data were collected using the DASS-21, Future Orientation Scale, and Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students.

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Key information

Conditions

Depression Adaptation, Psychological Anxiety Anxiety Disorders Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Mental Disorders Mental Health Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Personal Satisfaction Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise Progressive Relaxation Exercise Psychological Well-Being Psychophysiologic Disorders Relaxation Therapy Signs and Symptoms Stress, Psychological Students, Nursing

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ondokuz Mayıs University

Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Nursing students often face academic stress, emotional demands and clinical responsibilities, which can lead to psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, stress and concerns about their future. These issues can affect both their well-being and professional competence. Progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) are recognised as a useful method for reducing muscle tension, managing stress, and improving emotional regulation.

This randomised controlled trial was conducted between June 2024 and June 2025 with students studying Nursing. The data collection phase was carried out between January and March 2025. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were identified using snowball sampling, and a list was created. A total of 104 nursing students on this list were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (receiving PMRE) or a control group, with 52 participants in each group. A pre-test-post-test design was used. Measurement tools included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Future Orientation Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students.

This study was supported by the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBİTAK) under the 2209-A University Student Research Projects Support Programme.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being registered in the Department of Nursing
  • Voluntary consent to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

  • Having joint or muscle pain, or any condition that may interfere with performing relaxation exercises
  • Having a diagnosis of cancer or any chronic disease
  • Having a psychiatric disorder that may interfere with obtaining valid results from the study (e.g., major depressive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, serious psychiatric conditions)
  • Currently receiving antidepressant, anxiolytic, or similar psychiatric treatment
  • Regular use of non-pharmacological methods such as yoga, psychotherapy, or similar practices

Treatment and study plan

progressive relaxation exercise

Other

The intervention was based on Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) technique. Participants in the experimental group practiced PMR three times per week for four weeks. Each session lasted approximately 45 minutes and was conducted in a quiet environment. In the first session, the researcher provided face-to-face instruction. Subsequent sessions were guided by standardized audio recordings, and the participants were followed through scheduled online video calls. The intervention aimed to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and to promote biopsychosocial well-being in nursing students.

Other names: progressive muscle relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation exercises, Progressive Relaxation Technique, Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Muscle Relaxation Exercise, Progressive Relaxation Training, Jacobson's progressive relaxation technique

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in depression, anxiety, and stress levels measured by DASS-21

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) will be used to assess changes in psychological symptoms. It consists of three subscales measuring depression, anxiety, and stress. The scale will be administered at baseline (pre-test) and after the 4-week intervention (post-test).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in future orientation levels measured by the Future Orientation Scale

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    The Future Orientation Scale will be used to evaluate students' attitudes toward the future, including goal-setting, planning, and optimism. The scale will be administered before and after the intervention to detect changes.

  2. Change in biopsychosocial response levels measured by the Biopsychosocial Response Scale for Nursing Students

    Time frame: Baseline and Week 4

    This scale measures students' emotional, physical, and social stress-related symptoms. It will be administered at baseline and after the intervention to assess changes in biopsychosocial well-being.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ondokuz Mayıs University

Other

Collaborators

  • The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Future Attitudes, and Biopsychosocial Responses in Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: PRMNURSE

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 26, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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