The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise on Pain, Anxiety, and Depression

Background: After total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, patients often experience intense levels of pain, stress, and anxiety that can adversely affect postoperative recovery. Diaphragmatic breathing exercise (DBE) may help patients manage pain and emotional distress. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DBE on pain, anxiety, and depression in patients undergoing TKR. Methods: The study population consisted of patients who underwent TKR surgery in the orthopedic ward of Çankırı State Hospital between May and August 2019. The study sample included a total of 38 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria. Stratified randomization was used to assign the patients into sex-matched intervention group (n=19) and control group (n=19). Patients in the intervention group were also trained in the DBE procedure. Pain scores were evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively, while the anxiety and depression was applied on the postoperative day 2. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test.