Progressive muscle relaxation technique effectiveness on pain and fatigue among post-mastectomy women

Abstract

Background: Post-Mastectomy Pain (PPMP) and fatigue are common conditions that can follow surgeries for breast cancer, the most common cancer in women. The progressive muscle relaxation technique appears to be effective, affordable, low-risk, adaptable, and simple to use. Because of the frequency of PPMP and its potential severity, it has received increasing research attention. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation techniques on pain and fatigue among post-mastectomy women. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the inpatient and outpatient clinic of Sohag Oncology institution. Subject: A purposive sampling technique was enrolled to select a sample of 50 post-mastectomy women who were randomly assigned into two equal groups, with 25 post-mastectomy women in each group (the experimental and control groups). Tools: Three tools were used (I) demographic data of Post mastectomy women sheet, (II) a Visual Analogue Scale, and (III) a fatigue assessment scale. Results: The current study revealed that the majority of post-mastectomy women in the intervention group experienced mild pain and fatigue reduction during the post-test compared to the control group.