The effects of deep breathing on ‘tension–anxiety’ and fatigue in cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy

AimsWe investigated the effect of deep breathing intervention on ‘tension–anxiety’ and fatigue in Japanese women with gynaecological cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.SettingA total of 23 patients were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 11) and control (n = 12) groups.InterventionDeep 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.ConclusionsThe findings indicated that deep breathing intervention is likely to ameliorate the ‘tension–anxiety’ and fatigue in patients with gynaecological cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy.