The use of relaxation for the promotion of comfort and pain relief in persons with advanced cancer

The efficacy of a relaxation technique involving deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and imagery was tested as a nursing intervention for the promotion of comfort and pain relief in hospitalized oncology patients. The intervention was implemented in accordance with Orem's self-care approach to nursing practice. Sixty-seven new admissions to an oncology ward were randomly assigned to receive relaxation training by audio tapes, live relaxation training by nurses, or no relaxation training. Relaxation training was conducted twice weekly over a period of three weeks. All subjects were pretested and post-tested with the McGill Pain Questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale for pain. Analgesic medication was monitored throughout the study. Data analysis showed significant reductions in subjective pain ratings by subjects receiving relaxation training. There was also a significant reduction in non-opiate p.r.n. analgesic intake which suggested a reduced incidence of breakthrough pain.