Progressive relaxation training in patients with breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aromatase inhibitors have positive impacts on the disease-free life of patients with breast cancer. However, their side effects, especially arthralgia, may be experienced by many patients. This study sought to assess the efficacy of Progressive Relaxation Exercises on the prevalent side effects of Aromatase Inhibitors in patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted with single-blind randomization at a physiotherapy department in a local hospital. Patients who received Aromatase Inhibitor were assigned at random to either the study or control group. The study group (n = 22) performed a Progressive Relaxation Exercises program four days a week for six weeks, while the control group (n = 22) received advice on relaxation for daily life. Data was collected before the intervention and after six weeks. The study's primary endpoint was the Brief Pain Inventory, which was used to measure pain severity. Secondary endpoints included assessments of quality of life and emotional status, which were measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales, respectively. RESULTS: The study group exhibited a significant reduction in Pain Severity (p = 0.001) and Pain Interference (p = 0.012) sub-scores. Reduction in Pain Severity (p<0.001) and Patient Pain Experience (p = 0.003) sub-scores was also noted between the groups. Quality of Life and Emotional Status showed no significant variation both within and between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that Progressive Relaxation Exercises caused a significant reduction in pain scores among Breast Cancer patients receiving Aromatase Inhibitors. While a decrease in pain during the 6-week period is valuable data, it is necessary to monitor the long-term effects of relaxation techniques.

Effects of chemotherapy process on postural balance control in patients with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer among women in the world. Patients can face musculoskeletal disorders due to treatment side effects that result in failure to walk, falling, or fractures associated with balance problems. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether postural balance would be affected during chemotherapy (CT) in people with BC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 women who consulted the medical oncology department, between 31 and 63 years of age, were admitted to the study. For fear of falling, fall efficiacy scale; for static balance, double-leg, single-leg, and tandem stance tests with eyes opened and eyes closed; Romberg test; for dinamic balance, Sit To Stand (STS) test, and Time Up and Go (TUG) tests were performed in the patients. RESULTS: Reduced fear of falling between CT cycles (P < 0.0125), no change in postural sway in double-leg stance test with eyes opened (P = 0.734) and eyes closed (P = 0.127), significantly increased postural instability in single-leg and tandem stance test with eyes opened and eyes closed (P = 0.000), no change in postural stability in Romberg test (P > 0.05), significantly increased postural instability in STS (P = 0.000) and TUG tests (P = 0.000), and significantly increased time of finishing the STS (P = 0.021) and TUG tests (P = 0.010) were noted. CONCLUSION: Patients demonstrated postural instability which can ruin the daily life activities in many parameters of measurements. Postural balance exercises should be performed by BC survivors undergoing CT.