Effects of a progressive muscle relaxation intervention on dementia symptoms, activities of daily living, and immune function in group home residents with dementia in Japan

AIM: To evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, activities of daily living, and immune function of elderly patients with dementia in group homes. METHODS: The participants were ranked by their group home unit. Odd ranks were assigned to the intervention group and even ranks to the control group. The intervention group participated in progressive muscle relaxation for 15 min each day for 90 days in the group environment; the control group members continued with their normal routine. All the participants’ secretory immunoglobulin A was measured and they were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Nursing Home version, Nishimura Mental State Scale for the Elderly, and Nishimura Activities of Daily Living Scale. RESULTS: The intervention group comprised 18 participants from six units and the control group comprised 19 participants from five units. After the intervention, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores were significantly better in the intervention group, particularly for Agitation and Anxiety. The intervention group also showed significantly lower Apathy and Irritability scores and significant improvement in the Interest, Volition, and Social relationships scores on the Mental State Scale, with improvement in the activities of daily living total. However, there was no difference in the secretory immunoglobulin A level between the groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that progressive muscle relaxation improves the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and activities of daily living in group home residents with dementia, but does not affect their immune function.