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Research: CHEUNG and co-workers,
Listed in Issue 95
Abstract
CHEUNG and co-workers, Department of Surgery, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong, have studied the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety and quality of life in colorectal cancer patients after surgery.
Background
The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of the use of progressive muscle relaxation training on anxiety and quality of life of patients after stoma surgery.
Methodology
Repeated measures assessment was used over a period of 10 weeks after the stoma surgery. 59 patients participated in the study and were randomized to receive either routine care (control group, 30 patients) or routine care plus progressive muscle relaxation training in 2 teaching sessions and practice at home for 10 weeks (experimental group, 29 patients). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and two Quality of Life Scales were used to collect data at baseline, at 5 weeks and at 10 weeks.
Results
The use of muscle relaxation training significantly reduced anxiety and improved quality of life in the experimental group (p = 0.05), especially in physical health, psychological health, social concerns, and environment. The differences in quality of life were only observed at 10 weeks.
Conclusion
Progressive muscle relaxation training is a very cost-effective intervention that can make a big difference to patients' quality of life and should be offered as part of routine care.
References
Cheung YL, Molassiotis A, Chang AM. The effect of progressive muscle relaxation training on anxiety and quality of life after stoma surgery in colorectal cancer patients. Psycho-oncology 12 (3): 254-266, Apr 2003.
