The Effects of Muscle Relaxation and Therapeutic Walking on Depression, Suicidal Ideation, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Background: The suicide rate of cancer patients is high in Taiwan. Breast cancer has a high incidence rate and is the leading cause of cancer in women. There is a lack of research examining breast cancer-related depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of life. Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of muscle relaxation and therapeutic walking on depression, suicidal ideation, and quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: An experimental approach was adopted. A group of 87 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned into an experimental group (n = 44) or a control group (n = 43). The subjects in the experimental group received 2 interventions for 3 months. This study used 3 instruments, including (1) the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, (2) the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and (3) the World Health Organization Questionnaire on Quality of Life. Results: The results showed no significant difference in any outcome variable in the pretest. The results of the posttest indicated that the 2 groups scored significantly differently only on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (U = 638.00, P < .05). The breast cancer patients who participated in the 3 month muscle relaxation and therapeutic walking interventions had a lower level of depression (<(R-E)over bar> = 37.00) than those who did not (R-C) over bar = 51.16). Conclusion: The muscle relaxation and therapeutic walking program was effective in the reduction of breast cancer patients' depression. Implications for Practice: Nursing staff could teach muscle relaxation and therapeutic walking to breast cancer patients to reduce their depression.