Efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation training in post-traumatic stress disorder after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake: a randomized controlled trial
In brief
Six weeks of muscle relaxation training improved earthquake survivors' PTSD symptoms
In a randomized trial of 44 adults affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, six weeks of remotely delivered progressive muscle relaxation improved PTSD symptoms compared with education alone. Depression, anxiety, sleep, fatigue, and quality of life also improved, but the small study did not establish how durable the benefits are or whether they extend to other groups.
- Journal
- BMC psychiatry (Q1)
- Published
- 19 September 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Tuğba Karadaşlı, Mesut Arslan
- PMID
- 42907791
- DOI
- 10.1186/s12888-026-08676-9
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Psychiatry and Mental Health (paper of the day, 25 October 2026): Randomized trial of relaxation training for clinically significant PTSD
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake was one of Turkey's most devastating natural disasters, causing serious psychological issues, especially Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although various treatments exist for PTSD, they can be costly and sometimes ineffective. Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training (PMRT) is a low‑cost, self‑administered technique with no side effects, but randomized controlled trials on its effectiveness for post‑earthquake PTSD remain very limited. This randomized trial examined whether PMRT effectively treats PTSD in individuals after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. METHODS: The study included 44 earthquake-affected individuals aged 18-65 who met at least one of the following criteria: formal DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis by a psychiatrist, or a PCL-5 score of 47 or higher (indicating clinically significant PTSD symptoms). Based on power analysis, 22 participants were assigned to each group via block randomization: PMRT and control. All received PTSD and healthy lifestyle information; those on ongoing treatment continued. The PMRT group additionally received 6 weeks (twice/week, 20-30 min/session) of telerehabilitation-based PMRT. Assessments (PCL-5, DASS-21, PSQI, FSS, SF-36) were conducted pre- and post-intervention. Time-group interactions were analyzed with two-way mixed ANOVA (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In the PMRT group, PTSD symptom severity significantly decreased after the intervention (p < 0.001; η²p = 0.735). Significant improvements were also observed in depression (η²p = 0.435), anxiety (η²p = 0.521), stress (η²p = 0.504), sleep quality (η²p = 0.632), fatigue (η²p = 0.477), and both physical (η²p = 0.727) and mental (η²p = 0.630) components of quality of life compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In the control group, no significant changes were observed in these parameters, while sleep quality and physical health deteriorated in the control group. CONCLUSION: PMRT was associated with greater improvements in PTSD symptoms, psychological well-being, sleep quality, fatigue, and quality of life compared to an education-only control group. Telerehabilitation may offer a practical advantage when face-to-face care is limited, although this remains speculative. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT07164261-02.09.2025.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.