The Effects of Muscle Relaxation and Therapeutic Walking on Depression, Suicidal Ideation, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND

The suicide rate of cancer patients is high in Taiwan. Breast cancer has a high incidence rate and is the leading cause of cancer in women. There is a lack of research examining breast cancer-related depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effects of muscle relaxation and therapeutic walking on depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

An experimental approach was adopted. A group of 87 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned into an experimental group (n = 44) or a control group (n = 43). The subjects in the experimental group received 2 interventions for 3 months. This study used 3 instruments, including (1) the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, (2) the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and (3) the World Health Organization Questionnaire on Quality of Life.

RESULTS

The results showed no significant difference in any outcome variable in the pretest. The results of the posttest indicated that the 2 groups scored significantly differently only on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (U = 638.00, P < .05). The breast cancer patients who participated in the 3 month muscle relaxation and therapeutic walking interventions had a lower level of depression (RE¯ = 37.00) than those who did not (RC¯ = 51.16).

CONCLUSION

The muscle relaxation and therapeutic walking program was effective in the reduction of breast cancer patients' depression.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nursing staff could teach muscle relaxation and therapeutic walking to breast cancer patients to reduce their depression.