Research in Medicine

Background : The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Progressive Relaxation Training (PRT) on anxiety and skills of control biofeedback responses (EMG and peripheral temperature) in anxious university students.

Materials and methods : 21 pairs of undergraduate students (20-30 years old) were selected based on Cattle Anxiety Scales and assigned in two groups of experiment and control. The experiment group received PRT for 10 weeks. Pretest (Cattle Anxiety Scales, EMG, PT) and posttest (Cattle Anxiety Scales, Spilberger Anxiety Inventory, clinical interview, EMG, and P.T) were achieved on both groups.

Results : Results have revealed that anxiety factors of personality (C, L ,Q3, Q4 factors), stat and trait of anxiety and EMG amplitudes were all decreased significantly (p<0.05). Thus, experiment group had obtained adequate skills to control biofeedback responses.

 Conclusion : PRT is useful intervention to control anxiety as well as increasing skills to control of EMG biofeedback responses.