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

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.