NCT07301073

Postoperative Progressive Relaxation Exercises for Pain and Anxiety After Emergency Surgery

The Effect of Postoperative Progressive Relaxation Exercises on Pain, Anxiety, and Physiological Parameters in Emergency General Surgery Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 70 (actual)
• Sponsor: Agri Ibrahim Cecen University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of postoperative progressive relaxation exercises (PRE) on pain, anxiety, and physiological parameters among adult patients undergoing emergency general surgery. Seventy patients were randomized to either a PRE intervention delivered at postoperative hour 6, postoperative day 1, and postoperative day 2, or to routine postoperative care. Pain (SF-MPQ), anxiety (STAI), and vital signs were measured. The trial demonstrated that PRE significantly reduced multidimensional pain and anxiety and improved heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. The study provides novel evidence that PRE is feasible and effective when implemented exclusively in the postoperative period among emergency surgical patients.

Detailed description

This randomized, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of postoperative progressive relaxation exercises (PRE) among patients undergoing emergency general surgery. Emergency surgical admissions provide no opportunity for preoperative preparation, and postoperative pain, anxiety, and autonomic instability are commonly intensified by acute physiological stress responses. The trial was designed to determine whether PRE, delivered exclusively after surgery, could reduce these symptoms and support early physiological recovery. Following confirmation of postoperative stability at hour 6, eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the PRE intervention or routine postoperative care. The intervention consisted of standardized 30-minute sessions of progressive muscle relaxation conducted at postoperative hour 6, postoperative day 1, and postoperative day 2. Sessions followed a structured protocol including diaphragmatic breathing, sequential contraction-relaxation of major muscle groups, and a final integration phase. All sessions were delivered by a nurse trained in PRE. Outcome assessments were conducted at prespecified time points using validated measures. Pain was evaluated with the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, anxiety with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and physiological status through routine clinical monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Analyses examined both between-group differences and changes over time. The study adhered to CONSORT guidelines for randomized trials and incorporated blinded outcome assessment and concealed allocation. No adverse events related to the intervention were reported, and all randomized participants completed follow-up.

Conditions

• Emergency Surgical Procedures
• Postoperative Pain
• Postoperative Anxiety

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Progressive Relaxation Exercises (PRE)	This intervention consists of structured Progressive Relaxation Exercises (PRE) delivered exclusively in the postoperative period. PRE involves diaphragmatic breathing, awareness of muscle tension, and sequential contraction-relaxation of major muscle groups (hands, arms, shoulders, neck, chest, abdomen, back, hips, legs, and feet). Each session lasts 30 minutes and is administered at the bedside by a nurse trained in PRE. The protocol includes a preparation phase (2-3 min), a muscle relaxation sequence (20-22 min), and an integration phase (3-5 min). PRE is delivered at postoperative hour 6, postoperative day 1, and postoperative day 2, in addition to routine care, and does not include any pharmacological components

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-05-01
• Primary completion: 2021-11-30
• Completion: 2021-11-30
• First posted: 2025-12-24
• Last updated: 2025-12-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)