The effect of progressive relaxation exercises on postoperative pain, sleep quality, and recovery in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of progressive relaxation exercises on postoperative pain intensity, sleep quality, and recovery in patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery. Design This study was designed as a single-center, single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial with parallel groups. Methods This study was conducted with 96 patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery in a public hospital. Data were collected by the Patient Information Form, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), Postoperative Recovery Index (PoRI), a smart mobile device, and a sleep-tracking smart bracelet. Findings The pain levels in the intervention group decreased more rapidly and significantly over time (F = 14.11; P = .000; η² = 0.131). Sleep quality improved more significantly and rapidly in the intervention group compared to the control group (F = 14.22; P '.001; η² = 0.131). While PoRI total scores significantly decreased over time in the intervention group, this decrease was more limited in the control group (F = 6.531; P = .000; η² = 0.065). In both groups, PoRI scores significantly declined over time (F = 609.107; P = .000; η² = 0.866). Conclusions The study showed that progressive relaxation exercises applied to patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery reduced postoperative pain, increased sleep quality and duration, and positively influenced the recovery process.