Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on Post-Operative Pain and Quality of Recovery among Patients with Abdominal Surgeries

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhour University, Egypt

2 Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Abdominal surgery is considered one of the most painful surgical procedures as the site's proximity to the diaphragm and extensive cross-innervations in the area increasing the post-operative pain. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a promising intervention for these complains. Aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation technique on post-operative pain and postoperative quality of recovery. Research design: A quasi experimental research design with a pretest-posttest control group was utilized. Setting:  at surgical departments at Damanhour National Medical Institute.  Subjects:  A purposive samples of 80 adult patients who are undergoing abdominal surgery were selected according to eligibility criteria. They were divided into two equal groups 40 in each study group and control group. Tools of data collection: four tools were used for data collection: Demographic and clinical Data Structured Interview Schedule, Visual Analogue Pain Scale, A modified Behavioral Pain Scaleand Post-Operative Quality of Recovery Score. Results: After the intervention, PMR significantly decreased pain severity among study group compared to the control group. The severe pain intensity significantly absent from the entire study group, while it was significantly present among 42.5% of the control group. All of the study subjects had a good post-operative quality of recovery compared to only7. 5% of subjects in the control group.  Conclusion: PMR significantly decreased post-operative pain and improve post-operative quality of recovery among patients after abdominal surgeries. Recommendation: PMR should be incorporated in post-operative nursing intervention protocols.

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