The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique on Fatigue and Depression in Patients With Hypothyroidism: A...

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation in reducing fatigue and depressive symptoms and improving quality of life among patients with hypothyroidism experiencing persistent symptoms despite standard thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

This single blind randomized controlled trial included 68 adults with hypothyroidism in the Fateme-Zahra Hospital, Khomain. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) based on the Jacobson relaxation method or a control group receiving routine care. The intervention group performed PMR twice daily for 4 weeks. Fatigue and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using validated questionnaires. Ethical approval and written informed consent were obtained.

All 68 participants completed the study, and baseline demographic characteristics were largely comparable between groups. The control group showed no significant changes in fatigue or depression over 4 weeks. In contrast, the intervention group exhibited significant reductions in fatigue (mean change -41.45, p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (mean change -8.09, p < 0.001). Between-group comparisons demonstrated significantly greater improvements in the intervention group, with large effect sizes, indicating a substantial benefit of progressive muscle relaxation. Adjusted analyses confirmed significant intervention-related reductions in fatigue and depression independent of baseline covariates and comorbidities.

Progressive muscle relaxation, alongside educational and behavioral interventions, significantly reduced fatigue and depressive symptoms in patients with hypothyroidism. Further long-term studies are warranted. Trial Registration: (IRCT20250605066079N1) - 2025-07-04.