Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy on Fatigue and Psychological Distress of Cancer Patients during Radiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer receiving radiotherapy experiences fatigue and psychological distress. Now a days there has been growing interest towards managing these symptoms with non-pharmacological treatments, But researches related to effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on fatigue and psychological distresses related to admitted patients are limited hence the aim of the study to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on fatigue and psychological distress in Cancer patients during Radiotherapy. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Aim of the study to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on fatigue and psychological distress in Cancer patients during Radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study design was single blinded randomized control trial. Total of 50 patients, for both intervention and control group 25 patients were included. The intervention group patients received P.M.R. therapy of 20 min. given for 3 times/week of total period of 3 weeks, whereas the control group received conventional treatment with no added intervention. Fatigue symptom inventory and hospital anxiety and depression scale used as an outcome measures. RESULTS: Paired t-test used for FSI to compare among intervention and control group and results were showing statistical significant difference (P < 0.05), similarly pre and post improvement was observed in both the groups for HADS. Between group comparison showed no superior improvement one over the other. CONCLUSION: Based on the above findings, P.M.R. and conventional treatment were similarly efficacious in decreasing fatigue and psychological distress related to cancer patients who were hospitalized undergoing radiotherapy.