Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Care Burden, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Levels in Dementia Caregivers

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Care Burden, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Levels in Dementia Caregivers

Dementia, which leads to deterioration in cognitive and behavioral functions, is a chronic progressive disease. Since the diagnosis is made, the care needs of the patients increase. In the later stages of the disease, it becomes completely dependent on the caregiver.

they are coming. Caregiving is performed by family members in developing countries such as Turkey. Family members face many difficulties in their social, work, and daily lives after they start to care. These difficulties are the burden of caregiving is called. Caregivers who perceive the burden of care also experience anxiety, stress, and depression. Jacobson progressive muscle relaxation in coping with these problems exercises can be used. This study was planned to examine the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on anxiety, stress, depression, and caregiver burden in dementia caregivers.

The research is a pre-test, post-test, and cross-sectional research. After explaining the purpose of the study to the caregivers who met the inclusion criteria, the Information Form, the Depression Anxiety Stress-21 Scale (DAS-21), and the Zarit Care Burden Scale will be administered. Then, progressive muscle relaxation exercises will be applied to caregivers. During the interview, the audio recording of the exercise will be given to them. Also, contact information (caregiver and researcher) will be shared mutually.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be over 18 years old
• Being literate
• Not having difficulties in verbal communication
• Have been caring for at least 3 months
• Being able to provide care for free
• Being the primary caregiver of the patient
• Not having a psychiatric diagnosis
• Not using medication for psychiatric illness

Exclusion Criteria:

• Providing care for less than 3 months
• Providing paid care