Vol. 4, Issue 12, Part A (2018)

Background: Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is an accessible and simple technique that can be performed in a home setting. Although PMR can be performed in silence, research indicates that progressive muscle relaxation is especially effective when paired with music. An abundance of research has examined the relationship between music and relaxation, and on a broader level, the relationship between music and stress and music and pain. In various capacities, research indicates that music is an effective tool in distracting individuals from pain as well as dysmenorrhoea.

Methodology: An experimental approach with quasi experimental design was used. The study was conducted at different nursing hostels of Mangaluru. The sample comprised of 60 students. The sample was selected using purposive sampling technique and randomly assigned to experimental and control group. Data collection was done from 8th February to 4th March 2017. Formal written permission was obtained from the nursing college authorities. Data was collected using menstrual discomfort rating scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The result of the study showed that Group III had significant higher level of dysmenorrhoea response to menstrual discomfort scale score than of Group I and II. Highest percentage (56.7%) of sample in the Group I showed moderate level of menstrual discomfort whereas in the Group III majority (66.7%) showed severe pain. Bonferroni t test showed the difference was significant at 0.05 level of significance.

Conclusion: The findings of the study support that progressive muscle relaxation with music is more effective method to reduce dysmenorrhoea than only PMR. PMR with music can be used as an alternative method in dysmenorrhoea.