Progressive muscle relaxation to reduce pain, anxiety, and fear of falling after hip or knee replacement

The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Patients on Fear of Falling, Pain and Anxiety Level

Not applicable Interventional Gazi University · NCT07098390

This will test whether progressive muscle relaxation helps people having hip or knee replacement feel less pain, less anxious, and less afraid of falling.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGazi University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT07098390 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, parallel-group trial that compares progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) to usual care in patients undergoing elective primary hip or knee arthroplasty. Baseline measures (Descriptive Information Form, Fear of Falling Scale, Numeric Rating Scale for pain, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) are collected before randomization. The intervention group receives guided PMRE with headphones preoperatively and on the first postoperative day, with outcome reassessments before mobilization and one hour after mobilization. The primary outcomes are postoperative fear of falling, pain intensity, and state anxiety levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) having elective primary hip or knee arthroplasty at Gazi University Hospital who can communicate, consent, and do not have major neurological or psychiatric disorders, active cancer treatment, or chronic pain therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed anxiety disorders, cognitive or neurological impairment, perioperative complications, active cancer treatment, or on chronic pain treatment are unlikely to benefit from the intervention as tested.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have less pain, lower anxiety, and reduced fear of falling after arthroplasty using a simple, non-drug relaxation technique.

How similar studies have performed: Previous perioperative and orthopedic studies of progressive muscle relaxation have shown modest reductions in anxiety and pain, though effects vary and its specific impact on postoperative fear of falling after arthroplasty is less well-established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Patients aged 18 years or older,

  * Undergoing primary and elective hip or knee arthroplasty,
  * Admitted to the clinic one day before surgery,
  * Having no other acute illness that could cause pain or anxiety,
  * Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study,
  * Able to communicate

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Diagnosed with any neurological or psychiatric disorder affecting cognitive status,

  * Diagnosed with an anxiety disorder,
  * Developing complications during the perioperative period,
  * Undergoing active cancer treatment,
  * Receiving chronic pain treatment

Where this trial is running

Ankara

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 Arthoplasty, Pain, Anxiety
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.