1- Community Nursing Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
2- Community Nursing Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran ,salar293@gmail.com
2- Community Nursing Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran ,
Abstract: (31 Views)
Background: Headache is common in multiple sclerosis and is associated with greater functional disability. We aimed to determine whether a structured progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) program reduces headache-related disability in multiple sclerosis.
Methods: We conducted a parallel-group, quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study at Multiple Sclerosis Society clinics in Zahedan, Iran (2023). Adults with MS and recurrent headaches were allocated to PMR (n = 30) or usual care (n = 30). The PMR intervention comprised three 20 - 30-minute group sessions on consecutive days plus daily home practice for six weeks; adherence was supported by weekly phone calls. The primary outcome was the Headache Disability Inventory (HDI; 0 - 88), measured at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 24 and employed χ² tests and ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline HDI and disease duration (α = 0.05).
Results: Sixty participants completed the trial (30 in the PMR group and 30 in the control group). The groups were comparable in age and gender at baseline; however, disease duration was significantly longer in the PMR group (p = 0.014). At the 3-month follow-up, HDI scores showed a significant decrease in the PMR group (21.5 ± 15.6) and a significant increase in the control group (45.1 ± 16.9), resulting in a significant between-group difference (p < 0.001). An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for baseline HDI scores and disease duration, confirmed a significant treatment effect (F = 25.07, p < 0.001) with a large effect size (partial η2 = 0.305).
Conclusion: A six-week progressive muscle relaxation program significantly reduced headache-related disability at 3-month follow-up in multiple sclerosis and appears to be a feasible, low-cost adjunct to routine care. Larger randomized trials with longer follow-up and objective adherence tracking are warranted.
Methods: We conducted a parallel-group, quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study at Multiple Sclerosis Society clinics in Zahedan, Iran (2023). Adults with MS and recurrent headaches were allocated to PMR (n = 30) or usual care (n = 30). The PMR intervention comprised three 20 - 30-minute group sessions on consecutive days plus daily home practice for six weeks; adherence was supported by weekly phone calls. The primary outcome was the Headache Disability Inventory (HDI; 0 - 88), measured at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 24 and employed χ² tests and ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline HDI and disease duration (α = 0.05).
Results: Sixty participants completed the trial (30 in the PMR group and 30 in the control group). The groups were comparable in age and gender at baseline; however, disease duration was significantly longer in the PMR group (p = 0.014). At the 3-month follow-up, HDI scores showed a significant decrease in the PMR group (21.5 ± 15.6) and a significant increase in the control group (45.1 ± 16.9), resulting in a significant between-group difference (p < 0.001). An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for baseline HDI scores and disease duration, confirmed a significant treatment effect (F = 25.07, p < 0.001) with a large effect size (partial η2 = 0.305).
Conclusion: A six-week progressive muscle relaxation program significantly reduced headache-related disability at 3-month follow-up in multiple sclerosis and appears to be a feasible, low-cost adjunct to routine care. Larger randomized trials with longer follow-up and objective adherence tracking are warranted.
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Quasi-experimental, Non-pharmacological, Headache Disability Inventory, Disability
Type of study: Original Article |
Subject:
Nursing
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