Comparison of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises for Stress Reduction in Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Stress is a common psychological problem among older adults and may negatively affect physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and Deep Breathing Exercise (DBE) are non-pharmacological interventions frequently used to promote relaxation and reduce psychological distress.
Objective: To compare the effects of PMR and DBE on perceived stress among institutionalized older adults.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a two-group pretest-posttest design. Thirty older adults residing at Balai Pelayanan Sosial Tresna Werdha Budi Luhur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, were recruited using purposive sampling and allocated to a PMR group (n=15) or a DBE group (n=15). Both interventions were conducted twice weekly for three weeks. Stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). Within-group changes were analyzed using paired sample t-tests, whereas between-group differences were analyzed using an independent sample t-test.
Results: Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in stress scores following the intervention period. Mean PSS-10 scores in the PMR group decreased from 15.60±3.02 to 11.20±1.32 (mean reduction=4.40 points; p<0.001). In the DBE group, mean scores decreased from 15.00±2.07 to 11.00±2.07 (mean reduction=4.00 points; p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between groups (t=0.315; df=28; p=0.755).
Conclusion: PMR and DBE were both associated with significant reductions in perceived stress among institutionalized older adults. No significant difference in effectiveness was observed between the two interventions.