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NCT Number: NCT07164352

Effect of Breathing Exercises on Pain, Dyspnea, and Function in Terminal-Stage Cancer Patients

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Palliative Patients Breathing Techniques Terminal Malignant Tumors

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Eyupsultan State Hospital

Istanbul, 34500, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

breathing exercises

Behavioral

Diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing exercises supervised by a physiotherapist.

Informational Brochure

Behavioral

A brochure providing education about breathing exercises for cancer patients.

Primary outcomes

  1. dyspnea

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 weeks

    Dyspnea severity will be assessed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System - revised (ESAS-r) dyspnea item. This is a numeric rating scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no shortness of breath and 10 indicates the worst possible shortness of breath. The outcome will evaluate changes in dyspnea severity following a structured breathing exercise intervention.

  2. Functionality

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 1 weeks

    Functionality will be measured using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System - revised (ESAS-r) physical well-being domain. The ESAS-r is a validated self-report instrument in which patients rate symptom severity on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no impairment and 10 indicating the worst possible level of functional impairment. This outcome assesses changes in participants' ability to perform daily activities such as walking, dressing, and self-care.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Atlas University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Breathing Exercises on Pain, Dyspnea, and Functionality in Terminal-Stage Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Care - Master's Thesis, İstanbul Atlas University, Graduate School, Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Sep 10, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 10, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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