Comparing the effect of internet-delivered short-term progressive muscle relaxation and psychoeducation on mindful ability, visceral hypersensitivity and symptoms of patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder that psychological interventions are effective on it. The present study aimed to compare the effect of internet-delivered short-term PMR (iPMR) and psychoeducation on mindful ability (MA), visceral hypersensitivity (VH), and symptoms of patients with IBS.This randomized clinical trial was performed on individuals with IBS in 2020, recruiting a total of 60 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Prior to the intervention, the Freiburg Questionnaire- Short Form (FMI-SF), the Visceral Sensitivity Questionnaire (VSI), and the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) were filled out for the patients. Patients were divided into iPMR and psychoeducation groups randomly. All training in both groups was accomplished via WhatsApp social network. FMI-SF, VSI, and GSRS questionnaires for patients were completed 1 month (post-test) and 2 months later (follow-up). The data was analyzed by SPSS-23 software and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Compared to the psychoeducation group, the MA of the iPMR group increased significantly in post-test and follow-up (43.06 ± 7.12 and 42.88 ± 6.28 vs 51.23 ± 11.7 and 56.74 ± 12.36 and P < 0.001) and their VH decreased significantly (37.85 ± 11.6 and 38.03 ± 11.8 vs 26.9 ± 6.45 and 22.46 ± 5.32 and P < 0.001). Also, their GSRS had significant decreases (43.27 ± 10.73 and 41.18 ± 9.31 vs 32.33 ± 8.21 and 25.79 ± 6.30 and P < 0.001).The findings showed iPMR in patients with IBS, in spite of a few sessions and internet-delivered approach, increased MA and decreased VH and gastrointestinal symptoms of them.