Effects of Reflexology and Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Pain, Fatigue, and Quality of Life during Chemotherapy in Gynecologic Cancer Patients

Purpose: Our aim was to investigate the effect of reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on pain, fatigue, and quality of life (QoL) of gynecologic cancer patients during chemotherapy. Methods: Eighty participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: reflexology, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises, both (reflexology + PMR), or a control group. Data were collected with a general data collection form, Brief Pain and Fatigue inventories, and Multidimensional Quality-of-Life Scale—Cancer. Results: In reflexology and reflexology + PMR groups, a significant decrease in pain severity and fatigue and an increase in QoL were found (p < .05). In the PMR alone group, pain severity and fatigue decreased significantly (p < .05), but there was no significant change identified in QOL (p > .05). Conclusions: Reflexology and PMR exercises given to gynecologic cancer patients during chemotherapy were found to decrease pain and fatigue and increase QoL.