Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Breathing Exercises

This study compared the psychological effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and breathing exercises. Forty outpatient mental health clients were randomly divided into two equal groups and trained in PMR or breathing exercises. Both groups practiced for 5 weeks and were given the Smith Relaxation States Inventory before and after each session, and the Derogatis Brief Symptom Inventory at the beginning of the first week of training and at the end of the fifth week of training. Results revealed that PMR was more effective than breathing exercises in initially evoking Physical Relaxation and in reducing somatic stress, worry, and negative emotion, especially during the final weeks.