Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Parental Anxiety

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on anxiety levels among parents who are the primary caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer and receiving inpatient treatment. A total of 112 parents will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Parents in the intervention group will participate in researcher-led progressive muscle relaxation sessions. Anxiety will be assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I). The study will be conducted at the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital in Antalya, Türkiye.

The Effectiveness of Breathing Training in Subacute Neck Pain

The aim of this clinical study is to investigate the effectiveness of breathing training added to a standard physical therapy and exercise program in individuals with non-specific subacute neck pain. Specifically, the study will evaluate the effect of breathing training on functional loss due to neck pain and on respiratory function. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does breathing training reduce functional loss due to neck pain in participants? * Does breathing training improve respiratory function in participants?

The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises Applied to Palliative Care Cancer Patients on Dyspnea, Fatigue, and Self-Care Behaviors

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) exercises and deep breathing exercises on dyspnea, fatigue, and self-care behaviors among cancer patients receiving palliative care. Advanced-stage cancer patients frequently experience debilitating symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) and severe fatigue, which significantly impair their functional capacity and daily self-care activities. Participants in this study will be assigned to either a progressive muscle relaxation intervention group or a structured deep breathing exercise group. The study aims to determine whether these non-pharmacological relaxation techniques can effectively reduce the severity of dyspnea and fatigue, thereby improving the patients' overall self-care behaviors and physical comfort in a palliative care setting.

VR-PMR for Post-Burn Symptoms

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), delivered either alone or enhanced with virtual reality (VR), can help treat chronic symptom, such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, in adult burn survivors. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does VR-enhanced PMR (VR-PMR) reduce chronic pain, anxiety, itch, sleep disturbances, and fatigue more effectively than standard PMR? * Is VR-PMR a feasible and acceptable self-administered home-based intervention for burn survivors? Researchers will compare two self-administered intervention conditions, VR-enhanced PMR and standard PMR, using a randomized to sequence crossover design to see if VR technology enhances the therapeutic effects of PMR on chronic symptom management in burn survivors. Participants will: * Complete home-based sessions of VR-enhanced PMR * Complete home-based sessions of standard PMR * Report symptoms such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue throughout the study * Use VR equipment provided for the intervention period (during the VR-PMR arm)

Acute Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Brain Waves

In modern environments, stress is present regardless of age or social role. Stress does not always have negative effects; in fact, it is a necessary response for survival, known as the stress response. This response includes increased heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and decreased alpha brainwave activity. These physiological changes are primarily regulated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, enabling us to cope with environmental threats. However, when the stress response system becomes overwhelmed or imbalanced-whether due to accumulated chronic stress or acute stress-it may result in adverse effects on both physical and mental health. Relaxation techniques are non-pharmacological methods that promote parasympathetic nervous system activity. The goal is to reduce excessive arousal, alleviate anxiety, slow down thought processes, and relieve stress, thereby achieving relaxation in a natural way. These methods help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, relax muscles, and enhance concentration. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between relaxation and attention, suggesting that relaxation can improve attentional efficiency. Moreover, it is well-documented that executive function tends to decline under stress. Relaxation techniques are commonly incorporated into psychological therapies, yet they are more accessible, easier to practice, and can be conveniently performed at home. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether PMR can produce immediate relaxation effects as measured by EEG (cortical excitability), heart rate variability, and muscle tone, and whether it can improve performance under psychological stress. The goal is to further explore the potential application of PMR in healthy populations facing acute stress conditions.