Abstract

Abstract Background and Aim: Chronic nature of MS, lack of prognosis and definitive treatment, and engaging the individuals at young age lead to many psychological problems in patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation training on psychological distress of patients with multiple sclerosis. Materials and Methods: In the current quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test with experimental group and control group, from among all women with multiple sclerosis who were members of the M.S Society of Behshahr city, 30 were selected randomly and according to the inclusion criteria and then divided into two groups of control and experimental. The experimental group received 8 sessions of 30-minute progressive muscle relaxation training. All the patients were assessed in both pre-treatment and post-treatment stages using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS). Data were analyzed using covariance test. Results: The results of data analysis indicated the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation training in decreasing psychological distress of the experimental group compared with the control group (p<0/01). Conclusion: Progressive muscle relaxation techniques with relaxation through deep breaths on the autonomic nervous system led to a state of deep relaxation and increase in the individuals's ability to cope with stressors. Therefore, specialization and strengthening of the therapeutic programs for treatment and recovery of patients with M.S, considering the type of stress and anxiety and their resources in them, is essential. Keywords: Progressive muscle relation; Psychological distress; Multiple sclerosis