Relaxation training for control of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy

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Abstract
The study reports the use of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in reducing nausea and vomiting and anxiety in a group of cancer patients. The patients were identified by their oncologists as experiencing refractory drug-induced nausea and vomiting in spite of the administration of antiemetic therapy. Baseline data was collected during one cycle of chemotherapy as the patients, by virtue of their history, served as their own controls. Data collection measured pre- and post-training physiological arousal and state-trait anxiety levels, food-fluid intake, degree and frequency of nausea and vomiting, and type and quantity of antiemetic therapy 48 hours following drug infusion; change in total body weight, and upper arm skin fold were measured throughout entire chemotherapy course. The results show that nine of the 12 patients showed some decrease in nausea and vomiting after PMR training. Caloric intake was greater 48 hours post-treatment in all patients. These data are suggestive that PMR may be an effective intervention for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

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