Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Kinesio Taping for Premenstrual Syndrome

The Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise and Kinesio Taping on Stress, Depression, and Sleep Quality in University Students With Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of progressive muscle relaxation exercise, kinesio taping, and their combined application on premenstrual symptoms, perceived stress, severity of depressive symptoms, and sleep quality among university students with premenstrual syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to progressive muscle relaxation, kinesio taping, combined progressive muscle relaxation and kinesio taping, or a control group. The interventions were implemented for 8 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 1 month after completion of the intervention.

This four-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted among students from 13 faculties of Ankara University who met the eligibility criteria for premenstrual syndrome. Eligible participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio, using faculty-stratified randomization, to progressive muscle relaxation exercise, kinesio taping, combined progressive muscle relaxation exercise and kinesio taping, or a control group.

The interventions were implemented over 8 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after the 8-week intervention, and 1 month after completion of the intervention. Premenstrual symptoms were assessed as the primary outcome. Perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality were assessed as secondary outcomes.

A total of 180 participants were initially randomized, with 45 participants assigned to each group. During the first intervention cycle, 14 participants discontinued the study: 2 from the control group, 4 from the kinesio taping group, 5 from the progressive muscle relaxation group, and 3 from the combined intervention group. Fourteen additional eligible participants were subsequently enrolled and allocated to the corresponding groups using the same faculty-stratified approach. Therefore, the total number of unique enrolled participants was 194. A total of 180 participants, 45 in each group, completed all assessments and were included in the complete-case analyses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female university student enrolled in the second or third year of one of the participating faculties at Ankara University
• Menstrual cycle length between 21 and 35 days
• Premenstrual syndrome according to the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale
• Residing in central Ankara
• Volunteering to participate and providing written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receiving medical treatment for premenstrual syndrome
• Having a mental health condition or receiving treatment for such a condition
• Receiving treatment for insomnia
• Having a dermatological condition, such as an allergy or psoriasis
• Having undergone surgery involving the lumbar or abdominal region
• Experiencing difficulty communicating in Turkish