The Effectiveness of Relaxation Techniques in Controlling Chemotherapy Induced Nausea: A Literature Review

Abstract

This study was conducted to assist occupational therapists make an informed decision on the possible use of relaxation therapy in helping cancer patients cope with chemotherapy induced nausea. The aim was to review studies that have attempted to demonstrate the effectiveness of relaxation techniques in reducing the conditioned component of this type of nausea. The techniques under review included progressive muscle relaxation as a separate technique, as well as in combination with guided imagery and biofeedback or as part of a systematic desensitisation programme. The authors reviewed articles from occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatry, psychosocial, medical and nursing journals of the past decade. All the literature was reviewed by both researchers on the basis of a checklist developed by the authors to reduce any possible bias. All techniques were found to be effective in reducing nausea both before, during and after chemotherapy. It was found that no comparison could be made between the different relaxation techniques. Any limitations of the various studies were identified and recommendations made for future research.

Claiming the illness experience: Using narrative to enhance theoretical understanding

“…These three issues are important areas for clients with cancer, and can easily be overlooked. For instance, there is a lack of attention paid to the difficulties with fatigue and weakness in people with cancer (Nail & Winningham, 1995), while relaxation techniques may be used effectively to assist in controlling nausea induced by chemotherapy (Mastenbroek & McGovern, 1991). Occupational therapists can meet these needs by working with the clients individually and in groups to make it easier to cope with the illness and treatment by temporarily modifying their lifestyles.…”

Behavioral Medicine Methods in Treatment of Somatic Conditions

“…An older review of usefulness of relaxation techniques in acute pain management showed however poor performance of these methods [ 102 ]. Relaxation techniques proved to be useful in treatments of nausea of different origins, chemotherapy-caused [ 103 , 104 ] or pregnancy-related [ 105 ]. Beneficiary effects have been reported in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (regarding both respiratory functions improvement and better psychological wellbeing) [ 106 ] and in ischaemic heart disease recovery efforts [ 107 ].…”