Alzheimer Tanılı Bireylere Bakım Verenlerde Nefes Terapisi Ve Benson Gevşeme Tekniğinin Bakım Verme Yükü, Algılanan Stres Ve Özyeterliliğe Etkisi

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of simultaneously applied breathing therapy and the Benson relaxation technique on caregiver burden, perceived stress, and self-efficacy among Alzheimer's caregivers. Between February 19 and on April 30, 2025, Alzheimer’s caregivers attending the Geriatrics Outpatient Clinic of the Health Sciences University, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, were randomly assigned (1:1) to intervention (n=40) and control (n=40) groups. The intervention group received face-to-face training twice a week, consisting of 30 minute sessions that included 10 minutes of 4-7-8 breathing therapy and 20 minutes of the Benson relaxation technique during six weeks. No additional intervention was provided to the control group beyond standard care. Data were collected in person using the Caregiver Information Form, Burden Scale for Caregivers of Dementia Patients, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive ones, Student’s t and Kruskal Wallis. A significant decrease in caregiver burden scores was observed in the intervention group, compared to the control group in the 4th week, 6th week and 8th week (follow-up) (p<0.05). The perceived stress level was found to be lower in the intervention group compared to the control group in the 2nd week, 4th week, 6th week and 8th week (followup) (p<0.05). A significant increase in self-efficacy level was defined in the intervention group compared to the control group in the 4th week, 6th week and 8th week (follow-up) (p<0.05). The study findings showed that 4-7-8 breathing therapy and Benson relaxation technique applied simultaneously to Alzheimer's caregivers relieved the caregiver burden, reduced the perceived stress level and improved self-efficacy. In line with these findings, it is recommended that mind-body-based practices supporting caregivers should be disseminated, intervention durations may be extended, and our findings should be confirmed with further clinical studies.