Progressive Muscle Relaxation Reduces Postoperative Anxiety in Liposuction Patients: A Pretest-Posttest Study

Postoperative anxiety in laparotomy patients presents significant challenges, hindering recovery and reducing patient satisfaction. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in reducing anxiety levels among patients following liposuction procedures. Using an experimental pretest-posttest design, we enrolled 42 participants who met our defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. We measured anxiety levels using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). Our results showed a significant reduction in anxiety with mean APAIS scores decreasing from 16.86 before PMR to 10.95 after the intervention (p < .001). These findings demonstrate that PMR is an effective nonpharmacological method for reducing postoperative anxiety. We also examined the link between anxiety and postoperative pain, reinforcing the importance of anxiety management in enhancing pain control and recovery outcomes. Our study supports a multidimensional approach to surgical care that addresses both physical and psychological needs. Incorporating PMR into clinical practice offers a practical, low-risk strategy for improving patients' emotional and physical well-being after surgery. Future research should explore its application across broader clinical settings to validate and expand on these outcomes.