BACKGROUND

Changes occurring in the aging process, the presence of decline in physical and cognitive functions, and the limitations of participation in activities affect adaptation to old age and the quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on adaptation to old age and the quality of life of older people.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial design was used. The sample consisted of 45 older residents (21 intervention subjects, 24 controls) from a nursing home in a city of Turkey. The intervention group received progressive muscle-relaxation sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks, while the control group received routine care. All PMR exercises were led by the researcher. All participants were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks using the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly and the Nottingham Health Profile.

RESULTS

As a result of PMR exercises performed for 8 weeks, the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly and Nottingham Health Profile total mean scores of the intervention group improved significantly (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed, however, when comparing the intervention and control groups in terms of the level of adjustment to old age and health-related quality of life, either at baseline or following the intervention (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that progressive muscle relaxation can increase adaptation to old age and the quality of life and of older people in a nursing home.