ABSTRACT

APPLICATION OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION THERAPY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND THE NURSING PROBLEM OF ANXIETY
At the UPT Pelayanan Sosial Tresna Werdha Magetan
Nanda Putri Himawati
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo
E-mail: nandaputrih782@gmail.com

Anxiety is one of the psychological problems that may be experienced by elderly patients with hypertension and may potentially worsen their health condition if not properly managed. One non-pharmacological intervention that can be used to help reduce anxiety levels is Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) therapy. This scientific paper aims to apply Progressive Muscle Relaxation therapy to an elderly patient with hypertension and the nursing problem of anxiety at UPT Pelayanan Sosial Tresna Werdha Magetan.
Nursing care was provided for 7 days, from July 27 to August 2, 2026, using the nursing process approach, which included assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The assessment revealed that the client experienced anxiety characterized by feelings of worry and tension, restlessness, concern about her health condition, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) score was 24, indicating moderate anxiety. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) therapy was administered by the researcher for 15–20 minutes, twice daily, for 7 days. Following the intervention, the client appeared more relaxed and calm, showed improved concentration, and was able to perform the PMR technique independently. Evaluation results showed that the HARS score decreased from 24 to 15, indicating mild anxiety. Blood pressure also showed a downward trend, decreasing from 155/90 mmHg on the first day of the intervention to 129/64 mmHg on the final day of evaluation.
Nursing care for elderly patients with the nursing problem of anxiety is expected to serve as a reference for healthcare professionals and caregivers in implementing Progressive Muscle Relaxation therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention to help reduce anxiety levels in elderly patients with hypertension.
Keywords: elderly, hypertension, anxiety, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, HARS.