Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on the Quality of Life of Patients Involved in Pathologic and Physiologic Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study

Background and Objectives: Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training as part of an educational program for patients involved in pathologic and physiological events (PPE) can have important physiological and psychological benefits for the patients, and can affect various dimensions of their lives including the quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of PMR on the quality of life of patients involved in PPE.   Methods: Through searching the words “PMR” and “quality of life (QOL)” in Persian databases including SID, MagIran, IranMedex, and IranDoc and international databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect, all studies published on the effect of PMR on the QOL were extracted. The methodological quality of the papers was examined using Cochrane risk of bias. Data analysis was carried out using a random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed by I2. The data were analyzed using the STATA software version 14.0.   Results: Of 495 studies, only 10 explored the effect of PMR on the QOL of patients. The pooled mean of the QOL and all dimensions were statistically significant, including physical functioning (0.339), physical role limitation (0.378), bodily pain (0.341), general health (0.598), social functioning (0.873), mental health (0.736), emotional role limitation (0.791), vitality (0.706), total physical dimensions (0.652), total mental dimensions (1.316), and total QOF score (0.480). Only one study had a low risk of bias.   Conclusion: Implementation of PMR has a significant effect on the quality of life of patients involved in PPE. PMR is recommended to improve the QOL of the patients.