The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on sleep quality and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Aims The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation on sleep quality and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods This randomized controlled study was conducted with 72 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who applied to the rheumatology outpatient clinic of a university hospital between January and May 2018. The data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Fatigue Severity Scale. After the patients in the intervention group completed the forms, patients were given training with regard to the application of progressive muscle relaxation which they subsequently performed, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Fatigue Severity Scale forms were repeated after 6 weeks. Results After performing progressive muscle relaxation for 6 weeks, the total score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the fatigue score decreased among patients in the intervention group; no change was observed among the patients in the control group. A statistical difference was found between the two groups in terms of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index's and Fatigue Severity Scale's mean scores. Conclusion Progressive muscle relaxation can be recommended to enhanced sleep quality and reduce fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Summary statement What is already known about this topic? Sleep disturbances and fatigue are among the most common symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Many individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are turning to complementary and alternative medicine for relief of their symptoms. Studies on the efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation on reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are limited. What this paper adds? This randomized controlled trial showed that the progressive muscle relaxation used in the intervention was effective in terms of reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. There was no change in sleep quality or fatigue intensity in the control group, where progressive muscle relaxation was not applied. The implications of this paper: Progressive muscle relaxation can contribute to reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Nurses can educate patients with rheumatoid arthritis in progressive muscle relaxation and encourage them to continue this action because of its ease of administration and economic effectivene