Relaxation and breathing techniques to help with breathlessness and tiredness in cancer patients in palliative care

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares two non-pharmacological approaches—progressive muscle relaxation and structured deep breathing exercises—delivered to adults with cancer in a palliative care setting. Participants are assigned to one of the two relaxation-based interventions to see if they can lessen breathlessness and fatigue and promote better self-care behaviors. The trial emphasizes routine, teachable techniques that patients can perform to improve comfort and daily functioning while managing advanced illness. Eligibility includes adults 18 or older with cancer, adequate communication abilities, and specific clinical criteria relevant to palliative care. The study is conducted at multiple palliative care units in Ankara, led by Ankara University.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being 18 years of age or older

Being literate (able to read and write)

Having no significant hearing or visual impairment that prevents communication or cooperation

Receiving treatment in the palliative care unit

Having a confirmed medical diagnosis of cancer

Having a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 10 or higher

Being able to communicate via telephone and SMS for post-discharge follow-up

Having a Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Dyspnea Classification of Grade 3 or below

Having an ECOG Performance Status Scale score of 3 or below

Having a Hemoglobin (Hb) value of 8 gm/dL or higher

Volunteering to participate in the study and providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently practicing or having recently practiced Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) or deep breathing exercises actively

Having a primary respiratory system disease diagnosis (such as COPD, asthma, or pneumonia)

Having a medical diagnosis of dementia, agitation, or delirium

Receiving Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) support

Being on active antipsychotic or sedative medical treatment

Having a Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Dyspnea Classification of Grade 4 or higher

Where it's running

• Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Occupational and Environmental Diseases Hospital, Palliative Care Unit
  Ankara, Yenimahalle, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
• Ankara Ataturk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital,Palliative Care Unit
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
• Ankara Sincan Training and Research Hospital, Palliative Care Unit
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
• Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Palliative Care Unit
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: ASLIHAN POYRAZ, RN, PhD Candidate
• Email: aslihan.kulcu@gmail.com
• Phone: +90 534 737 3989

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.