The impact of muscle relaxation techniques on the quality of life of cancer patients, as measured by the FACT-G questionnaire.
Paula Parás-Bravo,Paloma Salvadores-Fuentes,Cristina Alonso-Blanco,María Paz-Zulueta,Miguel Santibáñez-Margüello,Domingo Palacios-Ceña,Ester Boixadera-Planas,César Fernández-de-las-Peñas +7 more
TLDR
The findings support a previous assumption that complementary techniques (including relaxation techniques) are effective in improving the quality of life of patients with cancer.Abstract:
Introduction Patients with cancer frequently suffer from emotional distress, characterized by psychological symptoms such as anxiety or depression. The presence of psychological symptoms combined with the complex nature of oncology processes can negatively impact patients’ quality of life. We aimed to determine the impact of a relaxation protocol on improving quality of life in a sample of oncological patients treated in the Spanish National Public Health System. Materials and methods We conducted a multicenter interventional study without a control group. In total, 272 patients with different oncologic pathologies and showing symptoms of anxiety were recruited from 10 Spanish public hospitals. The intervention comprised abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation training, according to Bernstein and Borkovec. This was followed by weekly telephone calls to each patient over a 1-month period. We collected sociodemographic variables related to the disease process, including information about mental health and the intervention. Patients’ quality of life was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) questionnaire. Bivariate and univariate analyses were performed, along with an analysis of multiple correspondences to identify subgroups of patients with similar variations on the FACT-G. Results Patients showed statistically significant improvements on the FACT-G overall score (W = 16806; p<0.001), with an initial mean score of 55.33±10.42 and a final mean score of 64.49±7.70. We also found significant improvements for all subscales: emotional wellbeing (W = 13118; p<0.001), functional wellbeing (W = 16155.5; p<0.001), physical wellbeing (W = 8885.5; p<0.001), and social and family context (W = −1840; p = 0.037). Conclusions Patients with cancer who learned and practiced abbreviated progressive muscle relaxation experienced improvement in their perceived quality of life as measured by the FACT-G. Our findings support a previous assumption that complementary techniques (including relaxation techniques) are effective in improving the quality of life of patients with cancer.read more
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Effects of progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation on fatigue, coping styles, and quality of life in early breast cancer patients: An assessor blinded, three-arm, randomized controlled trial.
TL;DR: PMR and MM are effective interventions that if initiated concurrently with the adjuvant paclitaxel demonstrate similar effects on fatigue and coping styles.
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Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (pcALCL) in the Elderly and the Importance of Sport Activity Training.
Antonello Sica,Paola Vitiello,Andrea Ronchi,Beniamino Casale,Armando Calogero,Evangelista Sagnelli,Costa Nachtigal G,Teresa Troiani,Renato Franco,Giuseppe Argenziano,Elvira Moscarella,Caterina Sagnelli +11 more
TL;DR: It is necessary to indicate a program of physical activity to be practiced systematically in indolent lymphomas because several studies indicate that exercise has a positive impact on QoL because it reduces peak oxygen consumption, improves physical capacity, increases self-esteem, reduces accumulated stress, and promotes relaxation.
Journal ArticleDOI
The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on cancer patients' self-efficacy.
Masoomeh Noruzi Zamenjani,Behnam Masmouei,Mehdi Harorani,Rezvan Ghafarzadegan,Fahimeh Davodabady,Sima Zahedi,Zakie Davodabady +6 more
TL;DR: Muscle relaxation can enhance self-efficacy of cancer patients and can be used as an alternative method for patients who are willing to use this technique.
Journal ArticleDOI
Cancer Patients and Anxiety: A Gender Perspective.
Paula Parás-Bravo,María Paz-Zulueta,Ester Boixadera-Planas,Víctor Fradejas-Sastre,Domingo Palacios-Ceña,César Fernández-de-las-Peñas,Cristina Alonso-Blanco +6 more
TL;DR: It is suggested that women with cancer suffer more anxiety symptoms than men with cancer, and the gender perspective is necessary in the management of mental health in patients with cancer.
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