Aims: We investigated the effect of deep breathing intervention on 'tension-anxiety' and fatigue in Japanese women with gynaecological cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.
Setting: A total of 23 patients were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 11) and control (n = 12) groups.
Intervention: Deep breathing was practised in the intervention group, but not in the control group. Deep breathing comprised a 10-min breathing program comprising abdominal breathing, thoracic breathing and breathing with arms raised. Using the Profile of Mood States-Short Form (Japanese version) and the Cancer Fatigue Scale, the effects were assessed pre- and post-chemotherapy.
Results: 'Tension-anxiety' and fatigue of the intervention group were relieved more than those of the control group.
Conclusions: The findings indicated that deep breathing intervention is likely to ameliorate the 'tension-anxiety' and fatigue in patients with gynaecological cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.
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