The Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercises on Postoperative Pain, Sleep Quality, and Recovery in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement Surgery

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of progressive relaxation exercises on postoperative pain intensity, sleep quality, and recovery in patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery. DESIGN: This study was designed as a single‐center, single‐blind, two‐arm randomized controlled trial with parallel groups. METHODS: This study was conducted with 96 patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery in a public hospital. Data were collected by the Patient Information Form, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), Postoperative Recovery Index (PoRI), a smart mobile device, and a sleep‐tracking smart bracelet. FINDINGS: The pain levels in the intervention group decreased more rapidly and significantly over time (F = 14.11; P = .000; η² = 0.131). Sleep quality improved more significantly and rapidly in the intervention group compared to the control group (F = 14.22; P<.001; η² = 0.131). While PoRI total scores significantly decreased over time in the intervention group, this decrease was more limited in the control group (F = 6.531; P = .000; η² = 0.065). In both groups, PoRI scores significantly declined over time (F = 609.107; P = .000; η² = 0.866). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that progressive relaxation exercises applied to patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery reduced postoperative pain, increased sleep quality and duration, and positively influenced the recovery process.