The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises Applied to Palliative Care Cancer Patients on Dyspnea, Fatigue, and Self-Care Behaviors
Ankara University
90 participants
Jan 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) exercises and deep breathing exercises on dyspnea, fatigue, and self-care behaviors among cancer patients receiving palliative care. Advanced-stage cancer patients frequently experience debilitating symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) and severe fatigue, which significantly impair their functional capacity and daily self-care activities. Participants in this study will be assigned to either a progressive muscle relaxation intervention group or a structured deep breathing exercise group. The study aims to determine whether these non-pharmacological relaxation techniques can effectively reduce the severity of dyspnea and fatigue, thereby improving the patients' overall self-care behaviors and physical comfort in a palliative care setting.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria11
- Being 18 years of age or older
- Being literate (able to read and write)
- Having no significant hearing or visual impairment that prevents communication or cooperation
- Receiving treatment in the palliative care unit
- Having a confirmed medical diagnosis of cancer
- Having a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 10 or higher
- Being able to communicate via telephone and SMS for post-discharge follow-up
- Having a Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Dyspnea Classification of Grade 3 or below
- Having an ECOG Performance Status Scale score of 3 or below
- Having a Hemoglobin (Hb) value of 8 gm/dL or higher
- Volunteering to participate in the study and providing informed consent
Exclusion Criteria6
- Currently practicing or having recently practiced Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) or deep breathing exercises actively
- Having a primary respiratory system disease diagnosis (such as COPD, asthma, or pneumonia)
- Having a medical diagnosis of dementia, agitation, or delirium
- Receiving Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) support
- Being on active antipsychotic or sedative medical treatment
- Having a Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Dyspnea Classification of Grade 4 or higher
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Interventions
A structured relaxation training based on tension and release of major muscle groups. In the initial session, patients will receive visual and practical education on how to perform PMR. They will be provided with an MP3 player containing guided audio instructions to facilitate independent practice. Patients will be instructed to perform the PMR program once daily for 6 weeks. For hospitalized patients, the sessions will be guided directly by the researcher; discharged patients will be followed up via phone.
A structured respiratory intervention consisting of controlled breathing techniques, specifically diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing and pursed-lip breathing, aimed at managing dyspnea. Detailed practical training on these techniques will be provided to the patients in the first interview. Patients will be requested to perform these breathing exercises twice daily for 6 weeks. Hospitalized patients will perform them under the researcher's supervision, and discharged patients will be monitored via weekly phone calls.
Locations(4)
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NCT07619209