The Effect of Isometric Exercise and Dry Heat Application on PIVC

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of isometric exercise and dry heat application technique on venous fullness and vein visibility in cancer patients. Design: This study is a randomized controlled trial model. Methods: This study was conducted in the outpatient chemotherapy unit of Malatya Turgut Ozal Medical Center Oncology Hospital, Türkiye. A total of 180 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated using block randomization to an isometric exercise group (n = 60), a dry heat application group (n = 60), or a control group (n = 60). Sample size was determined through power analysis. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Information Form", "Vein Rating Scale" and "Vein Assessment Tool".

Inclusion Criteria: * Undergoing chemotherapy treatment, * Receiving at least 3 cycles of chemotherapy treatment, * Not diagnosed with diabetes and/or without peripheral neuropathy, * Not receiving antithrombotic therapy, * Without bleeding tendency and thrombocytopenia, * No deep vein thrombosis, * No complications associated with PIVC (such as ecchymosis, hematoma, scarring, edema, infiltration, extravasation and phlebitis), * No allergy or sensitivity to heat, * No metal prosthesis in the extremity to be heat therapy applied, * No limb deformity that would prevent performing isometric exercises, * No communication problems, * No history of paralysis * Patients who volunteered to participate in the study were included. Exclusion Criteria: * Total mastectomy, * With peripheral nerve disease, * More than 2 peripheral IV catheters applied, * Psychiatric illness, * People with intellectual disabilities at a level that cannot perceive cognitive functions and * Individuals who did not perform or did not want to perform the procedures applied during the research process were not included in the study.