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Effects of Stress Ball Use and Breathing Exercises on Pain and Vital Signs During Drain Removal After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Sponsor: TC Erciyes University
Summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of stress ball use and breathing exercises on procedural pain and vital signs during drain removal in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Although drain removal is a short procedure, it is often associated with sudden and intense pain and may trigger physiological stress responses such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. A total of 105 patients will be randomly assigned to three groups: stress ball group, breathing exercise group, and standard care group. The interventions will be applied starting one minute before drain removal, continuing throughout the procedure, and for two minutes afterward. Pain levels will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation) will be measured at predefined time points before, during, and after the procedure. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of simple, non-pharmacological interventions in reducing procedural pain and improving physiological stability during drain removal
Official title: The Effect of Stress Ball Use and Breathing Exercises on Procedural Pain and Vital Signs During Drain Removal After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
Any - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
105
Start Date
2026-05-05
Completion Date
2026-08-30
Last Updated
2026-05-14
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Interventions
3. Control Group Description
Participants will receive standard care, including routine information about the drain removal procedure, without any additional intervention such as stress ball use or breathing exercises.
1. Stress Ball Intervention Description
Participants will be provided with a medium-resistance stress ball and instructed to rhythmically squeeze and release it starting one minute before drain removal, continuing throughout the procedure, and for two minutes after the procedure. A brief explanation will be given prior to the intervention.
2. Breathing Exercise Intervention Description
Participants will be instructed in diaphragmatic breathing techniques before the procedure. They will begin deep breathing one minute before drain removal, continue throughout the procedure, and for two minutes afterward. The technique includes slow inhalation through the nose, holding the breath for a few seconds, and slow exhalation through the mouth.