Effects of progressive relaxation on anxiety and quality of life in female students: A non-randomized controlled trial

SummaryObjectivesThis study conducted to assess the effects of relaxation techniques on anxiety and the quality of life of female dormitory students.Design and settingA non-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 4 female dormitories of Tehran University of medical sciences.InterventionsThe students of four dorms were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. The Spielberger inventory and a modified version of WHO quality of life questionnaire were administered to both groups. Then the experimental group was taught to do the relaxation techniques for two months. A post-test conducted on both groups after two months.ResultsSignificant differences were noticed between anxiety and quality of life of the two groups after the intervention. The overall quality of life score was significantly higher in experimental group after the two months of relaxation exercises.Conclusionsrelaxation techniques can be effective for improving the students’ anxiety that in turn will improve their quality of life especially in the examination periods.