Effects of Reflexology and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life during Chemotherapy in Gynecologic Cancer Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Our aim was to investigate the effect of reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on pain, fatigue, and quality of life (QoL) of gynecologic cancer patients during chemotherapy. Methods: Eighty participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: reflexology, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises, both (reflexology + PMR), or a control group. Data were collected with a general data collection form, Brief Pain and Fatigue inventories, and Multidimensional Quality-of-Life Scale-Cancer. Results: In reflexology and reflexology + PMR groups, a significant decrease in pain severity and fatigue and an increase in QoL were found (p < .05). In the PMR alone group, pain severity and fatigue decreased significantly (p < .05), but there was no significant change identified in QOL (p > .05). Conclusions: Reflexology and PMR exercises given to gynecologic cancer patients during chemotherapy were found to decrease pain and fatigue and increase QoL. (C) 2019 American Society for Pain Management Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.