This study aims to evaluate the effects of supervised breathing exercises on pain, dyspnea, and functionality in terminal-stage cancer patients receiving palliative care. Participants in the intervention group receive diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist, while the control group receives only an educational brochure. The study compares pre- and post-intervention outcomes between both groups.

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing exercises on pain, dyspnea, and functional status in terminal-stage cancer patients receiving palliative care. Participants are divided into two groups: the intervention group receives supervised breathing exercises by a physiotherapist, while the control group is given an informational brochure without any physical guidance.

The primary objective is to determine whether supervised breathing exercises provide significant improvements in symptom control and functionality compared to usual care. Assessments are made before and after the intervention using validated tools including the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r), the Cancer Dyspnea Scale (CDS), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain.

The study aims to contribute to the clinical evidence supporting non-pharmacological interventions in palliative care and to offer practical approaches for improving quality of life in terminally ill cancer patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients receiving palliative care, who are part of this treatment process and considered eligible for the study.
• Patients diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, included in the study due to their advanced cancer stage.
• Patients with oxygen saturation levels below 95% in room air, who are deemed appropriate for monitoring respiratory function due to this condition.
• Participants must be able to effectively communicate during the study period.
• Individuals who agree to participate in the study must provide written or verbal consent, which is a mandatory criterion for ethical compliance.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are unconscious and unable to participate in the study. Individuals under the age of 18.
• Patients dependent on a ventilator.
• Patients with serious health issues, such as uncontrolled hypertension and dyspnea.
• Patients with other significant health problems that prevent participation in the research program.
• Patients with medical conditions requiring drainage treatment.

This clinical trial evaluates the effects of structured respiratory exercises on pain, dyspnea, and physical functionality in terminal-stage cancer patients under palliative care. It is a single-arm interventional study with pre- and post-intervention assessments. Participants perform pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing exercises under physiotherapist supervision for one week. The primary outcomes are changes in pain and dyspnea, measured using ESAS-r and CDS. Secondary outcomes include functional status assessed via standardized tools. Data are collected at baseline and after the intervention. The study follows the Declaration of Helsinki and has received institutional ethical approval. Results aim to support the use of non-pharmacological methods in enhancing the quality of life for patients in end-of-life care.

The intervention will be applied for 1 week per participant. Respiratory exercises will be conducted daily for 5 consecutive days. Baseline and post-intervention assessments will be performed at the beginning and end of the week, respectively.

De-identified individual participant data (IPD) may be made available upon reasonable request for academic or research purposes. Access requires submission of a detailed proposal and prior approval by the study investigator. Requests can be sent to yildiz.fatmanur@hotmail.com.