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

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.