Rhythmic Breathing and Pain Sensation Among Postsurgical Orthopedic Inpatients

Rhythmic breathing is a pain distraction method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rhythmic breathing on pain sensation and analgesic intake after orthopedic surgery. This study was semi-experimental clinical trial and the statistical population was 68 post operation orthopedic inpatients which divided into experimental (n=34) and control groups (n=34). Data was collected by questionnairs and visual pain analog scale (VAS). Experimental group underwent rythmic breathing edueation 24 hours before surgical operation while control group was treated routinely. Pain intensity and analgesic intake were measured and recorded for 24 hours after surgical operation in both groups Pain intensity and analgesic intake were significantly reduced in experimental group as compared to control group. Rhythmic breathing can be used as an effective method for reducing pain sensation after surgery in orthopedic inpatients.