Jacobsons Progressive Muscle Relaxation and its Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (JPMR) developed by Jacobson is a psychophysiological method aimed at reducing stress and anxiety by a process involving the tensing and releasing of muscle groups with the aim of achieving physiological and psychological relaxation respectively. The current systematic review intended to systematize empirical studies carried out between 2020 to 2025 and found in the literature that investigated the efficacy of JPMR in various populations and psychological and physiological outcomes. In line with the Preferred Reporting Items on the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, Google Scholar, PubMed and ResearchGate were searched with keywords of JPMR, Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation, stress, anxiety, sleep, and blood pressure. A total of 20 peer-reviewed studies were found to fit the inclusion criteria. All the reviewed literature repeatedly proved that JPMR has a considerably high-level stress and anxiety reduction, sleep quality improvement, reduction in blood pressure, and overall emotional well-being in a clinical and non-clinical population. Nevertheless, some studies had methodological weaknesses due to small sample sizes, short interventions, and lack of cultural validation. In general, JPMR turns out to be a low-cost, available, and non-pharmacological intervention with bright perspectives in stress management, psychosomatic regulation, and the holistic well-being. Future studies must focus on long term interventions, cross-cultural uses, and use of technology for the delivery in order to boost the usefulness and sustainability of JPMR interventions.