Using heart rate variability to predict rebound pain after knee surgery

The Role of Perioperative Heart Rate Variability in Predicting Rebound Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Observational Study

Konya City Hospital · NCT06977191

This study is testing if measuring heart rate variability can help predict rebound pain in patients after knee surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment112 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorKonya City Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Konya)
Trial IDNCT06977191 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the potential of heart rate variability (HRV) as a predictive marker for rebound pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients scheduled for elective unilateral TKA under spinal anesthesia will have their HRV measured before and after surgery using a chest-worn monitor. The study will also track pain levels, analgesic use, sleep quality, and patient satisfaction to assess the relationship between HRV and postoperative outcomes. The primary aim is to determine if HRV can serve as a biomarker for predicting rebound pain episodes after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 scheduled for elective unilateral total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities, contraindications to anesthesia, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing knee surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of HRV in predicting pain outcomes is an emerging area, similar studies have shown promising results in related fields.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 70 years
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III
* Scheduled for elective, unilateral total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia
* Planned use of multimodal analgesia including peripheral nerve blocks
* Ability to provide written informed consent
* Ability to understand and complete pain diaries and questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known allergy to local anesthetics
* Contraindications to regional anesthesia
* Contraindications to spinal anesthesia
* ASA physical status IV or higher
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Neurological or psychiatric disorders impairing ability to participate or report outcomes
* Use of anticoagulant therapy or presence of coagulation disorders
* Infection at the proposed injection site
* Emergency (non-elective) surgical procedures

Where this trial is running

Konya

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rebound Pain, Total Knee Arthroplasty, Postoperative Pain, Chronic, Heart Rate Variability

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.