Effect of Relaxation Technique on depression anxiety and stress Among physiotherapy students

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Stress, anxiety, and depression are inevitable in physiotherapy education. The impact of the physical and mental pressures may be greater in medical professions like physiotherapy than in the general population due to commitments and demands of their academic work eventually harming their quality of life (QOL). As a result, the goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of relaxation techniques on stress, anxiety, depression, newlineperceived academic stress, and QOL among physiotherapy students. Methodology: A survey was done to evaluate the level of stress, anxiety, and depression for 120 participants. Participants were divided into two groups, the Experimental group (Group 1) and the Control group (Group 2) (each consisting of 60 patients). Group 1 was assigned Jacobson s progressive relaxation exercise and Shavasana 3 times/week for five weeks. Group 2 was assigned shavasana for 10-15 mins 3 times/week for five weeks. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and temperature were measured pre-and postintervention for both groups. Additionally, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), perceived academic stress (PAS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Bried Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires were measured pre-and post-intervention (for up to 15 sessions) for both the groups. Results: Systolic blood pressure and heart rate in the experimental group were significantly lower than in the control group. The experimental group experienced significantly lower levels of PAS and DASS21 scores than the control group. The QOL was significantly improved in terms of both physical and psychological health in the experimental group than the control newlinegroup. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that Jacobson s progressive relaxation exercise and the Shavasana group had greater effects on lowering depression, anxiety, and stress score as well as perceived academic stress score and improving QOL than the Shavasana group.