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International Journal of Nursing Studies Apr 2024Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in cancer patients, usually accompanied by anxiety, depression and insomnia, which seriously affect patients'... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The efficacy of progressive muscle relaxation training on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.
BACKGROUND
Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in cancer patients, usually accompanied by anxiety, depression and insomnia, which seriously affect patients' quality of life. Progressive muscle relaxation training is widely used for cancer-related fatigue, but the overall effect is unclear.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence on the effects of progressive muscle relaxation training on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Nine electronic databases (PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL), Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) and Wanfang Database) were explored for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before February 2023. This study was reported based on the PRISMA 2020 statement. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool was used for methodological assessment, and the GRADE pro online assessment tool was used for evidence evaluation. The data were analyzed with the Review Manager 5.4 software.
RESULTS
Twelve studies involving 1047 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that progressive muscle relaxation training plus routine nursing produced more positive effects than routine nursing in improving cancer-related fatigue [SMD = -1.06, 95 % CI -1.49, -0.62, P < 0.00001], anxiety [SMD = -1.09, 95 % CI -1.40, -0.77, P < 0.00001], depression [SMD = -1.43, 95 % CI -1.76, -1.10, P < 0.00001], and quality of sleep [MD = -1.41, 95 % CI -1.74, -1.08, P < 0.00001]. However, there was no significant difference in improving quality of life [SMD = 0.27, 95 % CI -0.62, 1.15, P = 0.55]. Progressive resistance exercise plus routine nursing improved cancer-related fatigue more than progressive muscle relaxation training plus routine nursing [SMD = 1.11, 95 % CI 0.43, 1.78, P = 0.001]. There was low certainty of evidence that progressive muscle relaxation training improved cancer-related fatigue and quality of sleep, and the evidence that improved quality of life, anxiety and depression was very low.
CONCLUSION
Current evidence suggested that progressive muscle relaxation training has the potential to improve cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, depression and quality of sleep in patients with cancer and is a low-load, simple exercise worthy of recommendation for cancer patients in fatigue state. Future research should focus on improving the methodological quality of randomized controlled trials to enhance the persuasive evidence of progressive muscle relaxation training efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Autogenic Training; Exercise; Fatigue; Neoplasms; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38281450
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104694 -
Medicine Apr 2023Patients with COVID-19 will experience high levels of anxiety and depression and poor levels of sleep and quality of life (QoL) due to isolation treatment and uncertain... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Patients with COVID-19 will experience high levels of anxiety and depression and poor levels of sleep and quality of life (QoL) due to isolation treatment and uncertain outcomes. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises show promising treatment effects on mental health and sleep problems and overall QoL in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PMR exercises in patients with COVID-19.
METHODS
Both experimental and non-experimental studies related to PMR and COVID-19 were systematically searched in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro and HINARI databases for studies published from the occurrence of the pandemic to December 2022. Study selection, methodological quality assessment and data extraction were carried out by 2 independent authors. Efficacy outcomes were evaluated for sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and QoL. The safety outcomes were evaluated based on adverse events reported. Review manager (RevMan 5.4, Cochrane collaboration) was used for the data analysis.
RESULTS
Four studies with 227 subjects were included in this systematic review. The pooled results indicated that PMR interventions improved the sleep quality score standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.54, 0.07; P = .13, level of anxiety SMD: -1.35; 95% CI -2.38, -0.32; P = .01 compared to the usual care. Depression level, disease severity and QoL were also improved following PMR interventions. Only 1 study reported worsening of 1 patient clinical status while all other studies did not report any adverse events during the interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
PMR interventions can improve the sleep quality, anxiety, depression, disease severity and QoL in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 in a short-term period compared to the usual care. However, there was indecision about the safety and long-term effects of PMR.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Autogenic Training; Depression; COVID-19; Anxiety
PubMed: 37026959
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033464 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... Nov 2022Progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) has been widely applied to improve the physical and mental health of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) has been widely applied to improve the physical and mental health of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PMRT on the symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients.
METHODS
Nine databases (Web of Science, CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, OpenGrey, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP database) were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of PMRT on health-related outcomes for cancer patients. The risk of bias of the included studies and the evidence quality were appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, respectively. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.
RESULTS
Twelve RCTs sampling 1147 patients were included. PMRT showed significant effects of alleviating anxiety [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.32, 95% CI (-1.88, -0.75), P < 0.001] and pain [SMD = -1.02, 95% CI (-1.93, -0.11), P = 0.030], and improving QOL [SMD = 1.65, 95% CI (0.53, 2.76), P = 0.004] in cancer patients. Regarding depression, self-esteem, nausea, and vomiting, PMRT showed better effects compared to the control group. However, no significant effect of reducing fatigue was detected [SMD = -1.00, 95% CI (-2.27, 0.27), P = 0.120]. The overall quality of evidence was moderate to very low.
CONCLUSION
PMRT is a promising complementary therapy that may improve the health-related outcomes of cancer patients. Future studies with rigorous research design are needed to obtain valid conclusions.
Topics: Humans; Autogenic Training; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Anxiety; Fatigue; Quality of Life; Neoplasms
PubMed: 36332326
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101676 -
Clinical Rehabilitation Jul 2022To establish the effectiveness of relaxation and related therapies in treating Multiple Sclerosis related symptoms and sequelae.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the effectiveness of relaxation and related therapies in treating Multiple Sclerosis related symptoms and sequelae.
DATA SOURCES
PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global databases were searched.
METHODS
We included studies from database inception until 31 December 2021 involving adult participants diagnosed with multiple sclerosis or disseminated sclerosis, which featured quantitative data regarding the impact of relaxation interventions on multiple sclerosis-related symptoms and sequelae. Studies which examined multi-modal therapies - relaxation delivered in combination with non-relaxation interventions - were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Risk of Bias tool for randomised trials - ROB2, Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions ROBINS-I), and within and between-group effects were calculated (Hedges' ).
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Twenty-three of these were randomised controlled trials, with 1246 total participants. This review reports on this data, with non-randomised study data reported in supplemental material. Post -intervention relaxation was associated with medium to large effect-size improvement for depression, anxiety, stress and fatigue. The effects of relaxation were superior to wait-list or no treatment control conditions; however, comparisons with established psychological or physical therapies were mixed. Individual studies reported sustained effects (≤ 6 months) with relaxation for stress, pain and quality of life. Most studies were rated as having a high/serious risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
There is emerging evidence that relaxation therapies can improve outcomes for persons with multiple sclerosis. Given the high risk of bias found for included studies, stronger conclusions cannot be drawn.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Relaxation Therapy
PubMed: 35410503
DOI: 10.1177/02692155221091509 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2021Autogenic drainage is an airway clearance technique that was developed by Jean Chevaillier in 1967. The technique is characterised by breathing control using expiratory... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Autogenic drainage is an airway clearance technique that was developed by Jean Chevaillier in 1967. The technique is characterised by breathing control using expiratory airflow to mobilise secretions from smaller to larger airways. Secretions are cleared independently by adjusting the depth and speed of respiration in a sequence of controlled breathing techniques during exhalation. The technique requires training, concentration and effort from the individual but it has previously been shown to be an effective treatment option for those who are seeking techniques to support and promote independence. However, at a time where the trajectory and demographics of the disease are changing, it is important to systematically review the evidence demonstrating that autogenic drainage is an effective intervention for people with cystic fibrosis.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the clinical effectiveness of autogenic drainage in people with cystic fibrosis with other physiotherapy airway clearance techniques.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews, as well as two ongoing trials registers (02 February 2021). Date of most recent search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register: 06 July 2021.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We identified randomised and quasi-randomised controlled studies comparing autogenic drainage to another airway clearance technique or no therapy in people with cystic fibrosis for at least two treatment sessions.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data extraction and assessments of risk of bias were independently performed by three authors. The authors assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE system. The authors contacted seven teams of investigators for further information pertinent to their published studies.
MAIN RESULTS
Searches retrieved 64 references to 37 individual studies, of which eight (n = 212) were eligible for inclusion. One study was of parallel design with the remaining seven being cross-over in design; participant numbers ranged from 4 to 75. The total study duration varied between four days and two years. The age of participants ranged between seven and 63 years with a wide range of disease severity reported. Six studies enrolled participants who were clinically stable, whilst participants in two studies received treatment whilst hospitalised with an infective exacerbation. All studies compared autogenic drainage to one (or more) other recognised airway clearance technique. Exercise is commonly used as an alternative therapy by people with cystic fibrosis; however, there were no studies identified comparing exercise with autogenic drainage. The certainty of the evidence was generally low or very low. The main reasons for downgrading the level of evidence were the frequent use of a cross-over design, outcome reporting bias and the inability to blind participants. The review's primary outcome, forced expiratory volume in one second, was the most common outcome measured and was reported by all eight studies; only three studies reported on quality of life (also a primary outcome of the review). One study reported on adverse events and described a decrease in oxygen saturation levels whilst performing active cycle of breathing techniques, but not with autogenic drainage. Seven of the eight included studies measured forced vital capacity and three of the studies used mid peak expiratory flow (per cent predicted) as an outcome. Six studies reported sputum weight. Less commonly used outcomes included oxygen saturation levels, personal preference, hospital admissions, intravenous antibiotics and pseudomonas gene expression. There were no statistically significant differences found between any of the techniques used with respect to the outcomes measured except when autogenic drainage was described as being the preferred technique of the participants in one study over postural drainage and percussion.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Autogenic drainage is a challenging technique that requires commitment from the individual. As such, this intervention merits systematic review to ensure its effectiveness for people with cystic fibrosis, particularly in an era where treatment options are changing rapidly. From the studies assessed, autogenic drainage was not found to be superior to any other form of airway clearance technique. Larger studies are required to better evaluate autogenic drainage in comparison to other airway clearance techniques in view of the relatively small number of participants in this review and the complex study designs. The studies recruited a range of participants and were not powered to assess non-inferiority. The varied length and design of the studies made the analysis of pooled data challenging.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Cystic Fibrosis; Drainage, Postural; Humans; Middle Aged; Oxygen Saturation; Physical Therapy Modalities; Quality of Life; Young Adult
PubMed: 34910295
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009595.pub3 -
The Effect of Stress Management Techniques on Persons with Addictive Behaviors: a Systematic Review.Materia Socio-medica Sep 2021According to the current state of knowledge, addictions are often developed as a maladaptive coping response to elevated stress levels. Stress management has a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
According to the current state of knowledge, addictions are often developed as a maladaptive coping response to elevated stress levels. Stress management has a beneficial effect on various mental health problems. Yet, there is no strong evidence concerning the effect of stress management on stress levels of individuals with addictive behaviors, although such an effect might benefit their addictive symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of stress management on stress levels of persons with addictive behaviors.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was carried out on Biomed Central, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science searching for relevant trials investigating the effect of stress management techniques, specifically of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), Autogenic Training (AT) and Guided Imagery (GI), on stress levels of individuals with addictive behaviors. In order to be included, the studies had to be randomized trials using an intervention and a non-intervention or a placebo control group, to apply PMR, GI or AT, to include a sample with addictive behaviors, to be published in English, to involve a baseline and at least one subsequent measurement, to be published in peer-review journals and to measure stress through instruments or biochemical assessments. The trials' quality was assessed by the use of the Jadad Scale.
RESULTS
A total of four studies met the inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. The findings indicated that PMR might lead to a reduction of stress levels, while no such evidence is found concerning GI and AT. The quality of all trials was low.
CONCLUSION
Progressive Muscle Relaxation and GI might have a divergent effect on persons with addictive behaviors. Yet, the low number of the studies and their poor quality debars drawing reliable conclusions for potential beneficial effects.
PubMed: 34759780
DOI: 10.5455/msm.2021.33.213-218 -
International Journal of Behavioral... Oct 2022Autogenic training (AT) is frequently used as therapeutic approach in multimodal pain therapy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Autogenic training (AT) is frequently used as therapeutic approach in multimodal pain therapy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the efficacy of AT in individuals suffering from chronic pain in comparison to passive and active control groups.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search in Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and PubPsych and manual searches (last search April 7, 2021) were conducted to locate randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Treatment guidelines and references of relevant articles and previous reviews were checked. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Full Text database, DART-Europe E-theses Portal, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), and the Theses Database of the German National Library were screened to identify any unpublished material.
RESULTS
A total of 13 eligible studies (k = 15 comparisons) including 576 participants were identified. Random-effects meta-analyses revealed a significantly positive, moderate effect of AT on the primary outcome pain compared to passive control groups (g = 0.58, 95% CI [0.36; 0.79], k = 9, I = 0%). In comparison with other psychological interventions, no difference was found (g = - 0.05, 95% CI [- 0.30; 0.20], k = 6, I = 0%). Sensitivity analyses proved the robustness of findings. Overall risk-of-bias judgment was 'some concerns' in the majority of studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Beneficial effects of AT on pain reduction were demonstrated, but findings are prone to bias. Furthermore, high methodological quality RCTs are needed to strengthen the promising evidence of AT for individuals with chronic pain.
Topics: Anxiety; Autogenic Training; Chronic Pain; Europe; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34705227
DOI: 10.1007/s12529-021-10038-6 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Sep 2020Previous systematic review suggested a beneficial effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. However, poor quality of...
Progressive muscle relaxation is effective in preventing and alleviating of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among cancer patients: a systematic review of six randomized controlled trials.
PURPOSE
Previous systematic review suggested a beneficial effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. However, poor quality of eligible studies which included in previous systematic review impaired the reliability and validity of findings. The aim of the present systematic review was to further assess the value of PMR in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
METHODS
We assigned two independent investigators to search potential studies in PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trial (CENTRAL), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), China Biomedical Literature database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data database. We used data extraction sheet to extract essential information, and used the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool to appraise the quality of eligible studies. Finally, we qualitatively summarized the results of all included studies.
RESULTS
Six studies enrolling 288 patients were included finally. Of these 6 studies, three were labeled as moderate quality and the remaining studies were low quality. All included studies consistently suggested that PMR has a positive effect on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, especially on the incidence, frequency, and degree of delayed nausea and vomiting.
CONCLUSION
Independent studies indicated that PMR was a beneficial approach of preventing and alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting among cancer patients. However, further studies enrolling other types of primary tumors should be designed in order to increase the generality of PMR because studies which were included in the present systematic review mainly considered patients with lung cancer and breast cancer. Moreover, future studies with high quality and large-scale are also warranted in order to address the limitations in the present systematic review such as poor quality and limited data of eligible studies.
Topics: Autogenic Training; Humans; Nausea; Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reproducibility of Results; Vomiting
PubMed: 32346796
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05481-2 -
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Aug 2019This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of autogenic training on stress responses through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of autogenic training on stress responses through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted using eight core electronic databases (Embase, CENTRAL, Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, DBpia, KISS, and RISS). To estimate the effect size, a meta-analysis of the studies was performed using RevMan 5.3.5 program.
RESULTS
A total 21 studies out of 950 studies were included in the review, and 11 were included for meta-analysis. These studies showed that autogenic training decreased anxiety and depression, and increased the high frequency of heart rate variability. Calculations to understand the effect of autogenic training on anxiety, through a meta-analysis, observed a reduction effect of anxiety score by 1.37 points (n=85, SMD=-1.37: 95% CI -2.07 to -0.67), in the studies on short-term intervention targeting healthy adults. On the other hand, similar calculations to understand the effect of autogenic training on depression observed, a reduction effect on the depression score by 0.29 point (n=327, SMD=-0.29: 95% CI -0.50 to -0.07), in the studies on long term intervention targeting the patient group.
CONCLUSION
Autogenic training is effective for adults' stress management, and nurses will be able to effectively perform autogenic training programs for workers' stress relief at the workplace.
Topics: Anxiety; Autogenic Training; Databases, Factual; Depression; Heart Rate; Humans; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 31477667
DOI: 10.4040/jkan.2019.49.4.361 -
BMC Complementary and Alternative... Jun 2019Mind-body practices are frequently used by people living with HIV to reduce symptoms and improve wellbeing. These include Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, meditation, and all...
BACKGROUND
Mind-body practices are frequently used by people living with HIV to reduce symptoms and improve wellbeing. These include Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, meditation, and all types of relaxation. Although there is substantial research on the efficacy of mind-body practices in people living with HIV, there is no summary of the available evidence on these practices. The aim of this scoping review is to map available evidence of mind-body practices in people living with HIV.
METHODS
The Arksey and O'Malley (Int J Soc Res Methodol 8:19-32, 2005) methodological framework was used. A search of 16 peer-review and grey literature databases, websites, and relevant journals (1983-2015) was conducted. To identify relevant studies, two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to all abstracts or full articles. Inclusion criteria were: participants were people living with HIV; the intervention was any mind-body practice; and the study design was any research study evaluating one or several of these practices. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by one reviewer and checked by a second, as needed, using the criteria that Cochrane Collaboration recommends for systematic reviews of interventions (Higgins and Green, Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of intervention. 2011). A tabular and narrative synthesis was carried out for each mind-body practice.
RESULTS
One hundred thirty-six documents drawing on 84 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most widely studied mind-body practice was a combination of least three relaxation techniques (n = 20), followed in declining order by meditation (n = 17), progressive muscle relaxation (n = 10), yoga (n = 9) and hypnosis (n = 8). Slightly over half (47/84) of studies used a RCT design. The interventions were mainly (46/84) conducted in groups and most (51/84) included daily individual home practice. All but two studies were unblinded to participants.
CONCLUSION
The amount of available research on mind-body practices varies by practice. Almost half of the studies in this review were at high risk of bias. However, mindfulness, a combination of least three relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioral strategies, and yoga show encouraging results in decreasing physical and psychological symptoms and improving quality of life and health in people living with HIV. More rigorous studies are necessary to confirm the results of Tai Chi, Qigong, and some relaxation techniques.
Topics: HIV Infections; Humans; Mind-Body Therapies
PubMed: 31185970
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2502-z