Abstract
BACKGROUND: Earthquakes are natural disasters with devastating effects, often leading to the stress related symptoms in affected individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of relaxation-based exercises on individuals experiencing post-earthquake stress-related symptoms in an earthquake-prone region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, waitlist-controlled, parallel group study included 46 participants with moderate post-traumatic stress levels (Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale [PDS]) and anxiety for over 1 month (Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]). Participants were randomly assigned to a relaxation-based exercise group (REG, n = 24) or a waitlist control group (Control Group (CG), n = 25). The relaxation exercises group (REG) received relaxation-based structured, supervised exercises for 4 weeks, consisting of sessions three days a week, each lasting 40 min, while the CG awaited treatment. Assessments included the PDS, BAI, Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale-10, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) Quality of Life Scale at baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention. RESULTS: Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in anxiety (P = 0.001), depression (P = 0.001), perceived stress (P = 0.001), and sleep quality (P = 0.001) for the REG. The CG showed decreased depression symptoms (P = 0.011) and improved sleep quality (P = 0.012). There were no significant group differences in quality-of-life outcomes (P > 0.05), though REG showed greater improvement in depression (P = 0.042, d = 0.054) and perceived stress scores (P = 0.027, d = 0.106). CONCLUSIONS: Relaxation-based exercises can improve sleep quality in individuals experiencing post-earthquake stress; reduce depression and especially anxiety and perceived stress. This approach can be used as a novel rehabilitation model in preventive mental health of the community.