Effects of Relaxation Exercises on Fear of Movement, Pain, and Quality of Life in Lumbar Disc Herniation Patients

Effects of Progressive Relaxation Exercises on Kinesiophobia, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study evaluates whether progressive relaxation exercises can reduce fear of movement, pain, and improve quality of life in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard care or an intervention group performing supervised relaxation exercises in addition to standard care. The exercise program is conducted three times per week for 15 sessions. Outcomes are measured before and after the intervention using validated scales assessing kinesiophobia, pain intensity, disability, and quality of life. The goal is to determine whether adding relaxation exercises provides additional benefits for patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Lumbar disc herniation is a common musculoskeletal condition that can cause pain, functional limitation, and fear of movement, which may negatively affect daily activities and quality of life. Psychological factors such as kinesiophobia can contribute to disability and may interfere with rehabilitation outcomes. Relaxation-based approaches are noninvasive interventions that may help reduce muscle tension, pain perception, and movement-related fear.

This randomized controlled study investigates the effects of progressive relaxation exercises in patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation. Participants are assigned to either a control group receiving standard care or an intervention group receiving progressive relaxation exercises in addition to standard care. The exercise sessions are supervised and delivered over a structured treatment period. Outcome measures assess changes in fear of movement, pain severity, functional disability, and quality of life using validated assessment tools. The study aims to determine whether progressive relaxation exercises provide additional clinical benefit beyond standard care for this patient population. avoids repeating data entered elsewhere (dates, numbers, site names, etc.) is professional and registry-appropriate

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation confirmed by clinical evaluation and imaging findings
• Presence of bulging or protruding lumbar disc herniation
• Ability to participate in exercise sessions
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of lumbar spine surgery
• Presence of rheumatologic disease
• Neurological, orthopedic, or systemic conditions that may interfere with participation or assessment
• Presence of spinal implants or metal instrumentation
• Any medical condition preventing safe participation in exercise