JOURNAL ARTICLE
REVIEW
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

The effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation and interactive guided imagery as a pain-reducing intervention in advanced cancer patients: A multicentre randomised controlled non-pharmacological trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Interactive guided imagery (IGI) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) are complementary therapies with a recognised positive effect on cancer pain relief. This multicentre randomised controlled trial was designed to assess the adjuvant effect of PMR-IGI in alleviating pain in a sample of hospice patients with terminal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 104 patients were randomised to two groups. Group A patients (n = 53) were administered the Revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-r) and the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain immediately prior to (T1) and 2 h following an individual PMR-IGI session (T3). Group B patients (n = 51) received usual care and were assessed using the same tools. Acute pain episodes and rescue analgesics over the following 24 h were recorded.

RESULTS: The Pain Intensity Difference (NRS at T3-NRS at T1) was 1.83 in group A and 0.55 in group B and was significant in both groups (p < 0.0001). The mean Total Symptom Distress Score declined by 8.83 in group A and by 1.84 in group B.The average difference in the emotional symptoms ESAS-r subscore (anxiety and depression) was 2.93 in group A (p < 0.0001) and 0.07 in group B (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The results of this trial suggest that PMR-IGI may be considered as an effective adjuvant in alleviating pain-related distress in terminal cancer patients. Further studies should be performed to assess the effectiveness of repeated interventions.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app