Using 4-7-8 breathing to reduce shoulder pain and improve lung function after gallbladder surgery

The Effect of Usıng The 4-7-8 Breathıng Technıque on Postoperatıve Shoulder Paın and Respıratory Functıon Tests After Laparoscopıc Cholecystectomy

Not applicable Interventional Mustafa Kemal University · NCT06415890

This study is testing if the 4-7-8 breathing technique can help reduce shoulder pain and improve lung function in patients after gallbladder surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment98 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMustafa Kemal University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hatay)
Trial IDNCT06415890 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of the 4-7-8 breathing technique on shoulder pain and pulmonary function in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A total of 96 patients will be randomly assigned to either a study group, which will practice the breathing technique post-surgery, or a control group receiving standard care. Measurements of shoulder pain and pulmonary function will be taken within the first 24 hours and at discharge. The study aims to provide insights into non-pharmacological pain management and respiratory improvement following surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and can communicate in Turkish.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy or those with cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly alleviate shoulder pain and enhance respiratory function in post-operative patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of the 4-7-8 breathing technique in this context is novel, similar breathing exercises have shown promise in managing post-operative pain and improving lung function.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy,
* Admitted to the clinic at least 2 hours before the surgical procedure,
* Open to communication and cooperation,
* Written and verbal permission to participate in the study was obtained,
* Conscious, oriented and cooperative,
* No cognitive and mental problems,
* Speaks and understands Turkish,
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification scores of I and II,
* Hospitalized at least one night after surgical intervention,
* Patients aged 18 years and older will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Undergoing emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy,
* Open cholecystectomy,
* Not admitted to the clinic at least 2 hours before the surgical procedure,
* Not open to communication and cooperation,
* Written and verbal permission to participate in the research could not be obtained,
* Unconscious, disoriented and uncooperative,
* Cognitively and mentally impaired,
* Speaking Turkish but not understanding it,
* Discharged on the same day after surgical intervention,
* ASA score III and above,
* Patients aged 18 years and younger will not be included in the study.

Where this trial is running

Hatay

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 Laparoscopic CholecystectomyBreathing ExercisePulmonary Function TestShoulder PainSurgical Nursing4-7-8 Breathing Technique
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.