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. 2025 Jun 7;61(6):1055.
doi: 10.3390/medicina61061055.

The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Systematic Review

Adelina Maritescu  1   2 , Alexandru Florian Crisan  2   3 , Camelia Corina Pescaru  2   4 , Cristian Oancea  4   5 , Daniela Iacob  6   7
Affiliations

The Psychological and Physical Benefits of Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Systematic Review

Adelina Maritescu et al. Medicina (Kaunas). .

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and post-COVID-19, are frequently accompanied by psychological distress and physical impairment. As a non-pharmacological intervention, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) may benefit these patients psychologically and physiologically. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of PMR on anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep quality, dyspnea, and pulmonary function in patients with COPD, CF, and COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane, SpringerLink, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Eligible studies assessed PMR in adult patients with COPD, CF, or COVID-19. Psychological and physical outcomes were extracted, and methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using standardized tools. Results: A total of 32 studies were included in the analysis. PMR was consistently associated with reductions in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep-related distress, particularly in patients with COPD and COVID-19. Some also reported improvements in dyspnea and mild pulmonary function tests, but these were more variable. Only one study evaluated PMR in patients with cystic fibrosis, providing the first clinical data for this group. Interventions were predominantly short-term, with significant variation in design, duration, and methodology, and the risk of bias was often moderate or high. Conclusions: PMR is a helpful strategy in treating chronic respiratory diseases, particularly for reducing psychological distress and improving sleep. However, the evidence is limited by methodological variations and lack of long-term follow-up. Rigorous research is needed to support clinical application, particularly in cystic fibrosis.

Keywords: COPD; COVID-19; cystic fibrosis; progressive muscle relaxation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of the selection process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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