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| IJCEM Copyright © 2008-All rights reserved. Published by e-Century Publishing Corporation, Madison, WI 53711 |
Int J Clin Exp Med 2013;6(10):979-984
Original Article
Relaxation training during chemotherapy for breast cancer improves mental health
and lessens adverse events
Qing-Hua Song, Rong-Mei Xu, Quan-Hai Zhang, Ming Ma, Xin-Ping Zhao
The Center of Physical Health, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, Henan Province, P. R. China; The Lab of Human Body
Science, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, Henan Province, P. R. China
Received October 4, 2013; Accepted October 27, 2013; Epub October 25, 2013; Published October 30, 2013
Abstract: Objective: Mental health issues like anxiety and depression and other adverse events often accompany chemotherapy for
breast cancer and can result in reduced quality of life for patients. The present study was aimed to determine whether relaxation
training intervention reduces anxiety and other adverse reactions during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Using a
prospective, randomized study design, patients with breast cancer were divided into a control group (n=50) and an experimental group
(n=50). Patients in the control group received routine nursing care; those in the experimental group received routine nursing care plus
relaxation training, which comprised controlled abdominal breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Anxiety Inventory and
Rotterdam Symptom checklists were administered to patients in both groups before and after chemotherapy to assess mental and
physical health status. Mean scores were compared by ANOVA. Results: Mean baseline scores were similar between control and
experimental groups before chemotherapy began. Following chemotherapy, all measures in the control group significantly increased
from baseline while all measures in the experimental group were similar to baseline. After chemotherapy, mental and physical health
scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Relaxation training
during chemotherapy can reduce anxiety and other adverse events in postoperative breast cancer patients. This should be considered
a valuable complementary approach in improving patient care. (IJCEM1310005).
Keywords: Relaxation training, breast cancer, chemotherapy, anxiety, adverse reaction
Address correspondence to: Dr. Rong-Mei Xu, The Center of Physical Health, Henan Polytechnic University, No. 2001 Sijidadao,
Jiaozuo 454000, Henan Province, China. Tel: +86-13633915976; E-mail: rmxu2001@126.com
Original Article
Relaxation training during chemotherapy for breast cancer improves mental health
and lessens adverse events
Qing-Hua Song, Rong-Mei Xu, Quan-Hai Zhang, Ming Ma, Xin-Ping Zhao
The Center of Physical Health, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, Henan Province, P. R. China; The Lab of Human Body
Science, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454000, Henan Province, P. R. China
Received October 4, 2013; Accepted October 27, 2013; Epub October 25, 2013; Published October 30, 2013
Abstract: Objective: Mental health issues like anxiety and depression and other adverse events often accompany chemotherapy for
breast cancer and can result in reduced quality of life for patients. The present study was aimed to determine whether relaxation
training intervention reduces anxiety and other adverse reactions during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Using a
prospective, randomized study design, patients with breast cancer were divided into a control group (n=50) and an experimental group
(n=50). Patients in the control group received routine nursing care; those in the experimental group received routine nursing care plus
relaxation training, which comprised controlled abdominal breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Anxiety Inventory and
Rotterdam Symptom checklists were administered to patients in both groups before and after chemotherapy to assess mental and
physical health status. Mean scores were compared by ANOVA. Results: Mean baseline scores were similar between control and
experimental groups before chemotherapy began. Following chemotherapy, all measures in the control group significantly increased
from baseline while all measures in the experimental group were similar to baseline. After chemotherapy, mental and physical health
scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Relaxation training
during chemotherapy can reduce anxiety and other adverse events in postoperative breast cancer patients. This should be considered
a valuable complementary approach in improving patient care. (IJCEM1310005).
Keywords: Relaxation training, breast cancer, chemotherapy, anxiety, adverse reaction
Address correspondence to: Dr. Rong-Mei Xu, The Center of Physical Health, Henan Polytechnic University, No. 2001 Sijidadao,
Jiaozuo 454000, Henan Province, China. Tel: +86-13633915976; E-mail: rmxu2001@126.com
