Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with progressive muscle relaxation training on cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) combined with progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) training on cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer chemotherapy. Methods Totally 98 patients with breast cancer chemotherapy were randomly divided into the control group and the intervention group. Patients in the intervention group received MBSR therapy combined with PMR training, while the control group received routine nursing care. Cancer-related fatigue, and the level of anxiety and depression in two groups before and after intervention were compared. Results After intervention, the cases of patients in the intervention group without fatigue, and with mild, moderate, severe fatigue were respectively 27, 10, 10 and 3; in the control group, the cases of patients without fatigue, and with mild, moderate, severe fatigue were respectively 7, 12, 23 and 6 (Z=-3.994, P<0.05). The level of anxiety and depression in the intervention group was significantly improved compared with the control group (t=29.399, 17.960; P<0.05). Conclusions MBSR therapy combined with PMR training can effectively improve the cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer chemotherapy, and improve anxiety and depression status of patients. Key words: Breast neoplasms; Cancer-related fatigue; Mindfulness-based stress reduction; Progressive muscle relaxation training