Progressive relaxation as a nursing intervention: an analysis

Progressive relaxation is an intervention nurses have used during the past decade. Because nursing practice is seeking a more scientific basis for use of specific interventions, a review of studies that have used relaxation techniques is pertinent. In the 13 studies reviewed, the patient populations, purposes, procedures, measurements, and results are analyzed and compared. Points are provided for nurses to consider when selecting progressive relaxation as an intervention or carrying out research studies.