Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of muscle relaxation and music therapy on anxiety level in patients waiting for cardiac catheterization.

Background. Anxiety is one of the most common human emotions from positive or negative experiences of life. High levels of anxiety have many unwanted effects on the body systems. In stressful situations such as invasive diagnostic techniques, the person experiences high level of anxiety. One of the main responsibilities of nurses is to control anxiety in patients with pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.

Method. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in one hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Science. After obtaining approval and written consent, 150 patients, waiting for cardiac catheterization, were randomly divided into three groups of muscle relaxation, music therapy and control. Data were collected by demographic form and self-report form of anxiety through interview. One hour before cardiac catheterization, the level of anxiety was measured in all groups, then, muscle relaxation group was asked to perform Benson muscle relaxation for 20 minutes based on listening to a recorded tape of guidance by headphone. At the same time, the music therapy group listened to music tape by headphone. Control group received no intervention but standard nursing care. Immediately before cardiac catheterization, the level of anxiety was measured again in all groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS using Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Findings. Immediately before catheterization, patients' anxiety level was significantly reduced (p<0.001) in muscle relaxation and music therapy groups, while it increased in the control group. Immediately before catheterization, a statistical significant difference was found between levels of anxiety in groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion. Both Benson muscle relaxation and music therapy significantly reduced anxiety level of patients and music therapy had more effect on the anxiety level of patients waiting for cardiac catheterization.