New insight into progressive muscle relaxation on improving mental and physical health of cancer patients

<ns3:p>Background: Cancer significantly reduces the quality of life of patients, causing both physical burdens and psychological distress. Oncological treatment, as well as the cancer diagnosis itself, often leads to debilitating side effects such as severe stress, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), a non-pharmacological relaxation technique, has gained attention for its potential to alleviate these effects. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to consolidate and summarize recent randomized controlled trials examining the impact of PMR on oncology patients. Materials and methods: The PubMed database was searched using specific keywords and criteria. Eleven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and categorized into the following groups: PMR and sleep quality, PMR and somatic symptoms, and PMR and psychological aspects. Results: Patients who regularly practiced the PMR technique demonstrated significant improvements in sleep quality, as well as reductions in pain, fatigue, nausea, and dyspnea. Moreover, a lower incidence of chemotherapy-related side effects was observed, along with enhanced cognitive function, decreased levels of anxiety and depression, improved self-efficacy, and less frequent use of opioid pain medications. Conclusions: The study suggests a potential supportive role of PMR in providing psychosocial support for families. The PMR technique can be integrated into standard oncology treatment protocols as a supportive intervention.</ns3:p>