Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation on Dyspnea, Fatigue and Care Dependency in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study

Patients with COPD will be entered. Participants will be randomized to one of three study arms: Arm 1: meditation; Arm 2: relaxation; Arm 3: Control. Hypothesis: Progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation will decrease severity of dyspnea, fatigue and care dependency.

Previous reports have revealed that progressive muscle relaxation and meditation are decreasing symptoms burden in chronic disease. On the other hand, no study has been conducted to determine the effects of progressive relaxation exercise and mindfulness meditation on dyspnea, fatigue and care dependency in patients with COPD. The present study investigates the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation in a single-site, 3-arm, assessor-blinded randomized, controlled study of 65 COPD patients. Arm 1: meditation; Arm 2: relaxation; Arm 3: Control.The investigators hypothesize that Progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation will decrease the severity of dyspnea, fatigue and care dependency.

Inclusion Criteria:

• older than 40 years
• diagnosed with stage III-IV COPD
• had at least primary school degree
• had no cognitive dysfunction, or communication problems
• were residing in Ankara.

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of cognitive dysfunction, or communication problems
• illiteracy
• applying any complementary and integrative approach during the study
• participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation program during the study.