NCT06912750

4-7-8 Breathing and Teach-Back Method for Pain, Anxiety, and Sleep After Knee Surgery: A Clinical Trial

Effect of 4 7 8 Breathing Exercises With Teach Back Method on Pain Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Patients After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Erzurum Technical University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure performed to reduce pain and improve quality of life in elderly individuals with knee dysfunction due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other knee joint disorders. It is typically preferred in cases of advanced joint damage to help patients regain daily functional abilities. Postoperative rehabilitation is crucial for pain management, mobility, and overall recovery. The Teach-Back method is an effective educational technique that enhances patients' understanding of health information by encouraging them to repeat what they have learned. This approach improves information retention and promotes active participation in treatment, particularly among individuals with low health literacy. Complementary therapies, such as breathing exercises, can help manage common postoperative issues like pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The 4-7-8 breathing technique has been shown to reduce anxiety and enhance sleep quality by regulating oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. This method involves inhaling for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds, and exhaling for eight seconds, promoting physical and psychological relaxation.This study aims to evaluate the effects of 4-7-8 breathing exercises taught using the Teach-Back method on pain, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

Detailed description

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical intervention performed to alleviate pain and enhance quality of life in elderly individuals with impaired knee functionality due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other knee joint disorders. This procedure is primarily recommended in cases of advanced joint damage and aims to help patients regain their ability to perform daily activities. Postoperative rehabilitation plays a critical role in pain management, mobility improvement, and overall health recovery. The Teach-Back method is an effective educational strategy designed to enhance patients' comprehension of health-related information. This method ensures that patients accurately retain the information provided by healthcare professionals by requiring them to reiterate the learned content, thereby fostering active participation in their treatment process. Studies have demonstrated that this approach significantly improves information retention, particularly among individuals with low health literacy. Complementary therapies have been shown to be effective in managing common postoperative complications such as pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances following TKA. Breathing exercises, in particular, have been found to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Teaching breathing exercises through the Teach-Back method may contribute positively to the rehabilitation process by promoting both physical and psychological well-being. One such technique, the 4-7-8 breathing exercise, has been evidenced to aid in reducing anxiety and enhancing sleep quality. This technique involves inhaling for four seconds, holding the breath for seven seconds, and exhaling for eight seconds. By optimizing oxygen intake and facilitating the expulsion of carbon dioxide, this practice supports physiological and psychological relaxation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of 4-7-8 breathing exercises taught using the Teach-Back method on pain, anxiety, and sleep quality in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

Conditions

• Patients With Total Knee Arthroplasty

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	4-7-8 Breathing Exercise with Teach-Back Method	In the experimental group, patients will be provided with information regarding the purpose and significance of the 4-7-8 breathing technique using the Teach-Back method one day before surgery. To confirm comprehension, patients will be asked to repeat the information. The exercise will be demonstrated in a one-on-one session using the Teach-Back method, and patients will be guided through practical application. Following the training, patients will be instructed to perform the exercise independently, with the researcher monitoring its correct implementation. Each patient will be given a "4-7-8 Breathing Exercise Application Guide," which outlines the exercise steps based on relevant literature. Before surgery, patients will complete the "Patient Information Form," the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Postoperatively, the VAS and STAI will be administered both before (pre-test) and after

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-02-01
• Primary completion: 2025-12-30
• Completion: 2025-12-30
• First posted: 2025-04-06
• Last updated: 2025-04-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)