This parallel-group randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of progressive relaxation exercises on dyspnea and comfort level in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study utilized a stratified and block randomization methodology, with 42 patients completing the trial. Patients in the intervention group received 30-min progressive relaxation exercises for 6 weeks. The mean dyspnea level scores of the patients in the intervention group at week 6 were found to be lower than those of the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P <
.05). Furthermore, a statistically significant decrease in patients' mean comfort level scores in the intervention group was observed over the follow-up periods (P <
.05). The study results demonstrate that progressive relaxation exercises constitute an effective nursing intervention for managing dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.