Investigating progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in pre-eclampsia treatment

Abstract

Background Progressive muscle relaxation with guided imagery may positively reduce clinical symptoms in individuals with pre-eclampsia. However, these relationships require clarification. This study aimed to examine the effects of progressive muscular relaxation and guided imagery on blood pressure and urine protein during conservative treatment for pre-eclampsia. Methods This was a quasi-experimental study of women receiving conservative treatment for pre-eclampsia. Participants received either progressive muscular relaxation and guided imagery alongside standard care (n=30) or only standard care (n=30). Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyse the differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and proteinuria between baseline and after 3 and 7 days. Results Respondents showed significant declines in systolic pressure and proteinuria after 3 and 7 days. All respondents showed significant declines in diastolic pressure after 7 days. The differences in systolic and diastolic pressure and proteinuria between groups after 7 days was statistically significant (P<0.001, P=0.008, P<0.001 respectively). Conclusions A 7-day progressive muscular relaxation intervention and guided imagery combination can effectively lower blood pressure and proteinuria during conservative treatment for preeclampsia.