Muscle Relaxation Therapy Eases Dialysis Symptoms, Boosts Quality of Life: RCT Finds
Turkey: Patients undergoing hemodialysis often struggle with a heavy burden of physical discomfort and psychological stress despite the life-sustaining benefits of treatment. A new randomized controlled trial published in Hemodialysis International suggests that a simple relaxation technique may significantly ease these challenges and enhance overall well-being.
The study, conducted by Sabri Toğluk and Uğur Öner from Turkey, examined the impact of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on dialysis-related symptoms and quality of life among individuals receiving maintenance hemodialysis. While hemodialysis remains the cornerstone therapy for chronic kidney disease, it is commonly associated with fatigue, pain, cramps, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. The researchers explored whether a structured, non-drug intervention could help mitigate these issues.
This pre-test–post-test randomized controlled trial was carried out between May and September 2025 in two dialysis centers in eastern Türkiye. A total of 92 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group, with 46 participants in each arm. Patients in the intervention group underwent 24 sessions of progressive muscle relaxation exercises over eight weeks, while those in the control group continued to receive standard care without additional intervention.
Data were collected at the start of the study and after the eight weeks using two validated tools: the Dialysis Symptom Index to assess symptom severity and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire to evaluate quality of life. At baseline, both groups were comparable in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as symptom and quality-of-life scores.
Key Findings:
- Patients in the progressive muscle relaxation group showed a significant reduction in dialysis-related symptom burden after the intervention.
- Mean Dialysis Symptom Index scores decreased markedly, indicating fewer and less severe symptoms.
- The control group did not show a similar level of improvement.
- Quality-of-life scores (SF-36) increased significantly in the intervention group.
- Notable improvements were observed in physical functioning, vitality, pain, general health perception, and mental well-being.
The findings indicate that progressive muscle relaxation can offer measurable benefits for patients on hemodialysis. By systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups, PMR may help reduce physical tension and psychological stress, contributing to better symptom control and enhanced daily functioning.
The authors highlight that progressive muscle relaxation is straightforward to teach, non-invasive, and inexpensive—making it a practical addition to routine dialysis care. As healthcare systems increasingly seek supportive strategies that go beyond pharmacological treatment, such mind-body techniques may play an important complementary role.
However, the researchers note that further studies are needed to determine the long-term sustainability of these benefits and to evaluate applicability across diverse patient populations. Even so, the current trial provides encouraging evidence that structured relaxation exercises could meaningfully improve the lived experience of individuals undergoing hemodialysis.
Reference:
Toğluk, S., & Öner, U. Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Hemodialysis-Related Symptoms and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Hemodialysis International. https://doi.org/10.1111/hdi.70060
Next Story