The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Depression and Fatigue in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Progressive Muscle Relaxation Intervention.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Hemodialysis Complication, Hemodialysis. Basic parameters: 18 years — 75 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Overview
This study aims to evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on depression and fatigue levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Progressive muscle relaxation is applied as an individualized non-pharmacological intervention, and its potential contribution to psychological well-being is investigated. The study seeks to determine whether regular relaxation exercises can reduce depressive symptoms, alleviate fatigue, and improve overall emotional well-being in hemodialysis patients. Findings from this research are expected to provide evidence for the use of relaxation-based interventions as supportive care methods in the management of psychological symptoms associated with chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis.
Detailed description
Hemodialysis is a vital treatment modality for patients with kidney failure, extending life expectancy and reducing associated symptoms. However, it also introduces significant physical, psychological, and social challenges for patients. Fatigue, one of the most frequently reported symptoms among hemodialysis patients, substantially impairs daily functioning and quality of life, with studies indicating that 42% to 89% of these individuals experience clinically relevant fatigue levels.
In addition to physical symptoms, anxiety and depression are common psychological problems among hemodialysis patients. These symptoms are closely linked to fatigue and sleep disturbances. Depression often presents with persistent fatigue and low energy, whereas insomnia can contribute to the onset or exacerbation of fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Globally, approximately 280 million people are affected by depression, with significant prevalence among adults and older adults. Depression is a major contributor to disability worldwide and is projected to become the leading cause of disease burden by 2030. In a study involving 55,982 patients with chronic kidney disease, nearly one-quarter were found to experience depression, with even higher rates reported among those receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Current evidence indicates that the prevalence of depression in this population ranges from 20% to 47%.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), first introduced by Jacobson in 1924, is a technique aimed at achieving physical and mental relaxation through systematic tensing and releasing of muscle groups. Research has shown that relaxation practices reduce oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory rate, and muscle tension while alleviating pain perception and lowering stress responses through increased endorphin production. Ortega et al. (2021) highlighted that PMR enhances awareness of bodily sensations and reduces tension, while Ramaiah and Albokhary (2021) demonstrated that progressive relaxation and similar home-based practices significantly decreased menstrual pain severity through increased blood flow and suppression of sympathetic nervous system activity. These findings suggest that PMR can serve as an effective complementary approach for both physical and psychological symptoms.
The present study aims to evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on depression and fatigue levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Specifically, it investigates whether this individualized intervention contributes to improved psychological well-being among hemodialysis patients.
Interventions
- Behavioral Progressive Muscle Relaxation Intervention
The study population consisted of all patients receiving treatment at the center during the study period. Instead of a statistical sample size calculation, a total population sampling method was used. All voluntary patients who met the inclusion criteria and were receiving hemodialysis at the center during the specified time frame were included. Among patients who scored 4 or above on the First-Level Beck Depression Inventory, an independent nurse not involved in the research team assigned uniqu
Primary outcome measures
- First-Level Beck Depression Screening Inventory (BDÖ-BB): [Time frame: 12 week]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS): [Time frame: 12 week]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Scoring 4 or above on the First-Level Beck Depression Inventory
Patients who regularly receive hemodialysis treatment
Individuals who are cognitively capable of understanding the exercise instructions
Individuals who voluntarily agree to participate in the study and provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
Individuals diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (e.g., major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.)
Individuals who are physically unable to perform relaxation exercises due to musculoskeletal disorders
Individuals who have previously participated regularly in relaxation therapy, yoga, meditation, or similar practices
Individuals who cannot follow instructions due to hearing, visual, or cognitive impairments
Individuals who are simultaneously participating in another psychosocial or physical intervention program
\-
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Single group
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 2 centers
- Istanbul Aydın Universty — Istanbul
- Arzu Kavala — Istanbul
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07512895 · ARZU KAVALA