Progressive muscle relaxation to decrease anxiety in clinical simulations

• Simulation scenarios can be a source of anxiety in nursing students.
• Anxiety-reduction techniques taught in nursing programs may assist nursing students in decreasing high anxiety levels.
• Progressive muscle relaxation may be an effective technique in decreasing anxiety levels in nursing students.
• Students reported that progressive muscle relaxation in this study resulted in improved relaxation, thinking, and communication skills.

Nursing students experience anxiety during simulations which could negatively affect learning. This pilot study examined progressive muscle relaxation to decrease anxiety. The experimental group participated in progressive muscle relaxation while the control group sat quietly. Although there were no significant differences in post-test scores, there was a significant decrease in anxiety from the experimental group pre-test to their post-test (p < .01). Student comments suggest progressive muscle relaxation was helpful in improving communication and cognition.