Breathing exercises for pain relief after knee surgery
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises As An Analgesia Adjunct in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients in the Perioperative Period
This study tests if breathing exercises can help people manage pain better after knee surgery compared to those who didn't use these exercises.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04336579 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty at Keck USC Hospital. Participants will learn diaphragmatic breathing exercises preoperatively and in the recovery room to help manage postoperative pain. Pain levels will be assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the study will compare these scores and opioid usage between the breathing exercise group and a control group of prior patients. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of this non-pharmacological approach in improving recovery outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with a continuous peripheral nerve block catheter.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises or are pregnant will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption for knee surgery patients.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, similar non-pharmacological interventions have shown promise in managing postoperative pain in other settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients (participants) undergoing total knee arthroplasty with a continuous peripheral nerve block catheter Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to perform or learn diaphragmatic breathing exercises or do not wish to participate in diaphragmatic breathing or study protocol * Pregnant patients * Patients without continuous peripheral nerve block catheter
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- Keck Hospital of USC — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Linda J Rever, MD — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Linda J Rever, MD
- Email: rever@usc.edu
- Phone: 3234427400
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.