Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Conditions
Keywords
COPD, progressive muscle relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercises, fatigue, sleep quality
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 90 patients were assigned to three groups: a progressive muscle relaxation exercise group, a deep breathing exercise group, and a control group. Participants in the intervention groups were taught their assigned exercises individually and were instructed to practice them daily at home for 8 weeks. The control group received no study intervention during this period. Fatigue and sleep quality were assessed before the intervention and at the end of the 8-week study period.
Detailed description
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition that can negatively affect patients' physical and psychological well-being. Fatigue and impaired sleep quality are common symptoms that may adversely affect daily functioning and quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions that can be easily practiced by patients may contribute to symptom management. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with COPD. The study included 90 patients with COPD who were randomly assigned to three parallel groups, with 30 participants in each group: a progressive muscle relaxation exercise group, a deep breathing exercise group, and a control group. Randomization was performed using random numbers generated through the Random Integer Generator on Random.org, and group assignment was conducted by an independent researcher. Due to the nature of the interventions, blinding was not applied. Participants assigned to the progressive muscle relaxation group received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The initial training lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Participants were provided with relaxation exercise audio recordings for home practice and were instructed to perform the exercises every morning for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period. Participants assigned to the deep breathing exercise group received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The training lasted approximately 20-25 minutes, and participants practiced the technique under guidance to ensure that they could perform it correctly. They were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. Participants assigned to the control group received no study intervention during the 8-week study period. Fatigue and sleep quality were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks using the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma Fatigue Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALProgressive Muscle Relaxation
Participants received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The training lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Relaxation exercise audio recordings were provided to support home practice. Participants were instructed to perform the progressive muscle relaxation exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period.
BEHAVIORALDeep Breathing Exercise
Participants received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The technique was explained verbally and practiced under guidance in a quiet environment to ensure correct performance. The training lasted approximately 20-25 minutes. Participants were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks.
Sponsors
Firat University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to GOLD criteria at least 6 months before enrollment. Able to communicate verbally. No severe hearing or visual impairment. No serious medical condition or serious complication related to COPD.
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of a perceptual disorder or psychiatric condition that impairs communication. Presence of a serious complication related to COPD.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fatigue Level | Baseline and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention | Fatigue was assessed using the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma Fatigue Scale. The scale consists of 12 items. Item scores are summed and transformed to a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater levels of fatigue. |
| Sleep Quality | Baseline and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention | Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The global PSQI score ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality. A total score of 5 or higher indicates poor sleep quality. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed