The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises Applied to Palliative Care Cancer Patients on Dyspnea, Fatigue, and Self-Care Behaviors

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 Criteria:

* 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 Criteria:

* 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

Conditions5

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