Changes in Galvanic Skin Responses Following a Single Session Training of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique Among Adolescent Football Players

The present study compared the immediate effects of a single session of seven and sixteen muscle groups progressive muscle relaxation training on galvanic skin response (GSR) variables: time to stabilization (Ts), stabilization score (Ss), tonic skin conductance adaptation level (ScAL), tonic skin conductance no.of skin fluctuation (SFs), mean of tonic skin conductance (Sc), and coping response. Twenty-six adolescent football players (Mean age = 13.4 yr., SD = 0.5) who were inexperience in PMR training were randomly assigned to either a seven or sixteen muscle groups PMR or a control group. GSR variables were recorded in the first five minutes prior to the start of PMR exercise (pretest) and immediately after PMR exercise (posttest). The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in ScAL for both PMR groups immediately after relaxation session. However, only sixteen muscle groups PMR reported a significant improvement in SFs compare to the control group. Control group produced significantly longer Ts from pre to post test. The results suggest that that a longer version PMR (16 muscle groups) lead to better immediate effects especially for inexperienced trainees.