A pilot study of the use of progressive muscle relaxation training in the management of post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of using progre ssive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) in the management of chemotherapy-r elated nausea and vomiting in Chinese breast cancer patients receiving doxo rubicin and cyclophosphamide as well as feasibility issues for a larger stu dy. Eight patients were randomly assigned to receive either oral anti-emeti cs as per hospital protocol (maxolon) or adjuvant PMRT. Both groups, howeve r, received intravenous anti-emetics half an hour before the chemotherapy a dministration. PMRT was given by a trained nurse once a day for 5 days. A r epeated measures design was used. Nausea and vomiting were assessed with th e Morrow Nausea and Vomiting Scale. Results indicated that the duration and intensity of nausea were lower in the experimental group, although the for mer was at a borderline level of significance. The duration and intensity o f vomiting were also lower in the experimental group. Delayed nausea and vo miting was observed in both groups. Despite the small sample size, the stud y showed that PMRT is an effective adjuvant method to decrease nausea and v omiting in chemotherapy patients. This has implications for nursing practic e, as it is a low-cost and easy-to-learn technique that can be incorporated in the care planning of patients receiving chemotherapy.