The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Abdominal Pain and Distension in Colonoscopy Patients

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study was conducted to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on abdominal pain and distension in colonoscopy patients.

Design A randomized controlled experimental design.

Methods The experimental group was informed about progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and an audio recording was provided. After the colonoscopy, abdominal pain (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain) and distension (VAS distension) scores were assessed, then PMR was applied for 30 minutes and pain scores were determined again. VAS pain and VAS distension scores of the control group were determined after colonoscopy and 30 minutes later. VAS abdominal pain and VAS distension scores were evaluated at the 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 24th hour after the procedure on all patients. The day after the colonoscopy, post-test data were collected.

Findings The pretest VAS pain and VAS distension mean scores were similar in the intervention and control groups (P > .05). The mean VAS pain and VAS distension scores decreased significantly in the intervention group post procedure (P < .05).

Conclusions PMR was determined to be effective in reducing abdominal pain and distension after colonoscopy.