Effectiveness Of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique On Selected Side Effects Of Chemotherapy Patients

Abstract

Introduction: As stated by the WHO globally, cancer is recognized as one of the primary causes of mortality worldwide. It is a significant contributor to global death rates, responsible for almost 10 million fatalities in 2020, which equates to nearly one in six deaths. Despite advancements in cancer treatment methods, it remains a perilous disease associated with substantial pain, suffering, and the potential for death. Around 85,50,000 new most cancers instances are recognized in India each year.

Objective: The primary aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of technique of progressive muscle relaxation on selected side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients and to find the association between demographic variables and selected side effects of chemotherapy among cancer patients in the experimental group and the control group.

 Methodology: Quantitative approach was collected with eight patients by meticulous examination to identify the selected side effects experienced by cancer patients, which include nausea, vomiting and lack of sleep, across three chemotherapy sessions. A convenient sampling method was employed for data collection in this study. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) was utilized to assess nausea and vomiting, while the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale was employed to evaluate sleep quality. The participants were divided into two groups, each consisting of four patients in each group. The experimental group received progressive muscle relaxation techniques, whereas the control group receives standard treatment care, similar to the other groups.

Result: Finding reveled a significant association seen between patients performing progressive muscle relaxation technique with Acute Nausea & Vomiting with site of cancer. Delayed nausea & vomiting with Pittsburgh scale with site of cancer. Results showed that the group receiving PMRT had a reduction in chemotherapy side effects such as nausea, vomiting and lack of sleep compared with control group.

Conclusion: The study concluded that progressive muscle relaxation technique was more effective in controlling the side effects of chemotherapy among cancer patients