Comparing mindfulness breathing and biofeedback for pain relief after shoulder surgery

Comparing Preoperative Mindfulness-based Breath Training and Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Shoulder Surgery Patients in the Postoperative Pain, Shoulder Function, Emotion, Sleep, Quality of Life, Cognitive Function, and Electroencephalography

Not applicable Interventional Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT05917262

This study tests whether mindfulness breathing, biofeedback, or pain education can help people who are having shoulder surgery feel less pain and recover better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taoyuan)
Trial IDNCT05917262 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three different bio-psychosocial support interventions for patients undergoing shoulder surgery. Participants will be randomized to receive either mindfulness-based breathing, heart rate variability biofeedback, or cognitive behavioral pain psychoeducation. The goal is to assess how these interventions impact postoperative pain levels and overall recovery. The study focuses on patients who have experienced shoulder pain for at least three months and are scheduled for surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with shoulder pain lasting at least three months and experiencing significant pain intensity who are scheduled for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder surgery in the past three years or those with certain chronic conditions or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-pharmacological strategies to manage postoperative pain in shoulder surgery patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using mindfulness and biofeedback techniques for pain management, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

shoulder pain patients with

* (1) pain ≥3months and ≥3 days per week
* (2) pain intensity ≥ 40 (VAS scale from 0 no pain to 100 very painful)
* (3) the surgical indication would be based on orthopedics opinions

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of shoulder surgery in the prior 3 years
* osteoporotic vertebral fractures or rheumatologic diseases
* chronic widespread pain syndromes (fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome)
* neurological disease (i.e., stroke, parkinson's disease, etc..)
* psychiatric disease (i.e., dementia, depression, schizophrenia, etc)
* cancer
* patients who practiced yoga, meditation, chi-qong, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises more than three times per week

Where this trial is running

Taoyuan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pain, PostoperativeShoulder PainShoulder painPostoperative painmindfulnessHRVbiofeedback
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.