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The effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation and interactive guided imagery as a pain-reducing intervention in advanced cancer patients: A multicentre randomised controlled non-pharmacological trial

2018; Elsevier BV; Volume: 34; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.12.014

1873-6947

Giulia De Paolis, Alessia Naccarato, Filomena Cibelli, Andrea D'Alete, Chiara Mastroianni, Laura Surdo, Giuseppe Casale, Caterina Magnani,

Pediatric Pain Management Techniques

Interactive guided imagery (IGI) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) are complementary therapies with a recognised positive effect on cancer pain relief. This multicentre randomised controlled trial was designed to assess the adjuvant effect of PMR-IGI in alleviating pain in a sample of hospice patients with terminal cancer.A total of 104 patients were randomised to two groups. Group A patients (n = 53) were administered the Revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-r) and the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain immediately prior to (T1) and 2 h following an individual PMR-IGI session (T3). Group B patients (n = 51) received usual care and were assessed using the same tools. Acute pain episodes and rescue analgesics over the following 24 h were recorded.The Pain Intensity Difference (NRS at T3-NRS at T1) was 1.83 in group A and 0.55 in group B and was significant in both groups (p < 0.0001). The mean Total Symptom Distress Score declined by 8.83 in group A and by 1.84 in group B.The average difference in the emotional symptoms ESAS-r subscore (anxiety and depression) was 2.93 in group A (p < 0.0001) and 0.07 in group B (p > 0.05).The results of this trial suggest that PMR-IGI may be considered as an effective adjuvant in alleviating pain-related distress in terminal cancer patients. Further studies should be performed to assess the effectiveness of repeated interventions.