Effect of web-based progressive muscle relaxation and lifestyle interventions on psychological well-being, occupational performance, and quality of life in women with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial with 4-week follow-up

Karakus A., AKYÜREK G.

Journal of Affective Disorders, vol.401, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 401
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jad.2026.121278
  • Journal Name: Journal of Affective Disorders
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
  • Keywords: Healthy lifestyle, Premenstrual syndrome, Progressive muscle relaxation, Quality of life, Web-based intervention
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition that negatively affects women's physical, emotional, and occupational functioning. Web-based interventions offer accessible and cost-effective solutions to support symptom management. Objective This study aimed to compare the effects of web-based progressive muscle relaxation training (WB-PMR) and a web-based lifestyle intervention (WB-LSI) on symptom severity, psychological symptoms, occupational balance, occupational performance, and quality of life in women with PMS. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 68 women diagnosed with PMS, randomly assigned to WB-PMR (n = 22), WB-LSI (n = 22), or control (n = 24) groups. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and four-week follow-up. Measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Premenstrual Syndrome Severity Scale (PMSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11T), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Friedman and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis. Results Both interventions significantly improved outcomes compared to control. The WB-PMR group had the lowest follow-up scores in VAS (p = 0.027), PMSS (p = 0.007), and emotional/physical symptoms. Significant time × group effects were observed in HADS anxiety, depression, and NHP subscales (p < 0.01). WB-LSI led to improvements in irritability, depressive thoughts, sleep, and OBQ-11T scores (p < 0.001). COPM performance and satisfaction increased in both intervention groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion Web-based PMS interventions may provide effective, sustainable, and accessible support for symptom and occupational management.