Effectiveness of Selected Relaxation Exercises on Reducing Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms among Girls

Premenstrual syndrome is a common menstrual disorder occurring due to cyclic hormonal fluctuations and is present in most girls. Anxiety is one of the common psychological symptoms experienced by the girls suffering from premenstrual syndrome. These symptoms need to be managed at an early age with the help of some effective alternative treatment approaches such as meditation and progressive relaxation exercises, so as to ensure these girls with a productive and healthy future. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of selected relaxation exercises on reducing anxiety and premenstrual syndrome symptoms among the girls in study group as compared to control group. The research approach was evaluative and the research design was single-blind randomized control trial. A sample of 230 girls were selected using simple random sampling technique by lottery method, who belonged to KLEU's Institute of Nursing Sciences, Belagavi, Karnataka. Data was collected using standardized scales such as Zung's self rating Anxiety Scale and Moo's Menstrual Distress Questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics in terms of mean, standard deviation and paired and unpaired ‘t’ test. The study findings revealed that the mean difference of post intervention anxiety and premenstrual syndrome symptoms scores in study and control group showed a significant reduction in anxiety and premenstrual syndrome symptoms (t=8.058, p<0.001 and t=5.450, p<0.001 respectively). The study concluded that selected relaxation exercises demonstration program was an effective method to reduce anxiety and premenstrual syndrome symptoms in the girls.