Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises in Patients With COPD

NCT07773194 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2024/07-47
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 90 patients were assigned to three groups: a progressive muscle relaxation exercise group, a deep breathing exercise group, and a control group. Participants in the intervention groups were taught their assigned exercises individually and were instructed to practice them daily at home for 8 weeks. The control group received no study intervention during this period. Fatigue and sleep quality were assessed before the intervention and at the end of the 8-week study period.

Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Keywords

COPD; progressive muscle relaxation exercises; deep breathing exercises; fatigue; sleep quality

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Fatigue Level

  Fatigue was assessed using the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma Fatigue Scale. The scale consists of 12 items. Item scores are summed and transformed to a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater levels of fatigue.

  Baseline and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention

• Sleep Quality

  Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The global PSQI score ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality. A total score of 5 or higher indicates poor sleep quality.

  Baseline and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention

Study Arms (3)

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The training session lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Relaxation exercise audio recordings were provided for home practice. Participants were instructed to perform the progressive muscle relaxation exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period.

Behavioral: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Deep Breathing Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The exercises were explained and practiced under guidance in a quiet environment to ensure correct performance. The training session lasted approximately 20-25 minutes. Participants were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks.

Behavioral: Deep Breathing Exercise

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants received no study intervention during the 8-week study period. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks.

Interventions

Progressive Muscle Relaxation BEHAVIORAL

Participants received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The training lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Relaxation exercise audio recordings were provided to support home practice. Participants were instructed to perform the progressive muscle relaxation exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise Group

Deep Breathing Exercise BEHAVIORAL

Participants received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The technique was explained verbally and practiced under guidance in a quiet environment to ensure correct performance. The training lasted approximately 20-25 minutes. Participants were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks.

Deep Breathing Exercise Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to GOLD criteria at least 6 months before enrollment.
• Able to communicate verbally. No severe hearing or visual impairment. No serious medical condition or serious complication related to COPD.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of a perceptual disorder or psychiatric condition that impairs communication.
• Presence of a serious complication related to COPD.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Firat University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gül DURAL

Elâzığ, 23020, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Fatigue; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Interventions

Autogenic Training

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Lung Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Chronic Disease; Disease Attributes; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic; Dyssomnias; Sleep Wake Disorders; Nervous System Diseases; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Hypnosis; Mind-Body Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Psychotherapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 14, 2026
• First Posted: August 19, 2026
• Study Start: February 15, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 15, 2026
• Study Completion: January 15, 2026
• Last Updated: August 19, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)