EFFECT OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION ON BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS, STRESS, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that requires comprehensive management because it affects glycemic control, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) may serve as a simple complementary intervention to address these outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of PMR on blood glucose levels, stress, and quality of life among patients with T2DM in Wolomarang Village, Sikka Regency, Indonesia. A quantitative, non-randomized quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted from May to July 2026. Sixty patients with T2DM were selected using purposive sampling and divided into intervention and control groups, with 30 participants in each group. The intervention group received PMR for 20–30 minutes, three times weekly for four weeks, in addition to standard care. Blood glucose was measured using a digital glucometer, stress using the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and quality of life using the WHOQOL-BREF. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests and ANCOVA. The intervention group showed a greater reduction in blood glucose and stress levels and a greater improvement in quality of life than the control group (p < 0.001). PMR is an effective, simple, and feasible complementary intervention for improving glycemic control, reducing stress, and enhancing quality of life among patients with T2DM.