The Effect of Online Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Sexual Satisfaction and Function of Applied to Women with Low Sexual Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Study

BackgroundSexuality is influenced by a combination of psychological, emotional, and physiological factors, where sexual satisfaction is a key component. Progressive muscle relaxation exercises are commonly used to reduce anxiety and improve physical relaxation, but their impact on sexual satisfaction and function, particularly for individuals with low sexual satisfaction, has not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises applied to women with low sexual satisfaction on the sexual satisfaction and function of both the women and their partners.MethodsThis single-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted from April 2023 to January 2024. The study sample consisted of 120 couples, randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Women in the intervention group performed progressive muscle relaxation exercises three times a week for four weeks, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The outcomes measured were sexual satisfaction and sexual function, using the Sexual Satisfaction Scale and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), for both the women and their partners.ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in the sexual satisfaction scores of both women and their partners in the intervention group, with a statistically significant difference between the groups. In the intervention group, there was a significant increase in sexual satisfaction scores (from 33.12 +/- 9.22 to 73.93 +/- 6.31) and a marked decrease in ASEX scores (from 14.61 +/- 4.51 to 2.71 +/- 1.64). In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in either sexual satisfaction (from 30.17 +/- 11.11 to 33.12 +/- 9.22) or ASEX scores (from 14.88 +/- 3.29 to 12.88 +/- 3.11).ConclusionThe results suggest that progressive muscle relaxation exercises can significantly improve sexual satisfaction and function in women with low sexual satisfaction and their partners, providing a potential intervention for sexual dysfunction.