Heart rate variability biofeedback, mindfulness, or psychoeducation after knee replacement

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares three approaches—heart rate variability biofeedback, mindfulness meditation, and psychological education—to see which improves recovery after total knee arthroplasty. Participants are adults with chronic knee pain preparing for surgery, and they will use the assigned intervention preoperatively and perform home-based breathing training postoperatively. Outcomes include pain, sleep quality, quality of life, and knee function, along with anxiety and physiological measures such as heart rate variability and EEG. The goal is to determine which method best supports postoperative recovery and whether physiological changes relate to outcomes. The study is conducted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with

1. pain ≥3 months and ≥3 days per week
2. pain intensity ≥40 (VAS scale from 0 no pain to 100 very painful)
3. willingness to participate in this trial before surgery, follow postoperative home-based breathing training, and not receive other related interventions
4. surgical indication based on orthopedic physician's opinion

Exclusion Criteria:

1. history of surgery on the same knee
2. osteoporotic fractures or rheumatologic diseases
3. chronic widespread pain
4. neurological disease (i.e., stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc.)
5. psychiatric disease (i.e., dementia, depression, schizophrenia, etc.)
6. cancer

Where it's running

• Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou
  Taoyuan, Taiwan Recruiting
• Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
  Taoyuan, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Poyu Chen, PhD — Chang Gung University
• Study coordinator: Poyu Chen, PhD
• Email: poyuchen@mail.cgu.edu.tw
• Phone: +886-3-211-8800

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.