The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises Applied to Palliative Ca… (NCT07619209) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises Applied to Palliative Care Cancer Patients on Dyspnea, Fatigue, and Self-Care Behaviors
Turkey (Türkiye)90 participantsStarted 2026-01-01
Plain-language 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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Cancer Dyspnea Scale (CDS)
Timeframe: Baseline (Pre-intervention), Week 3, and Week 6