The Effect of Progressive Breathing Relaxation Training on Preoperative Anxiety and Surgical Stress Response

International Journal of Caring Sciences, cilt.13, sa.2, ss.1287-1296, 2020 (Hakemli Dergi)

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a common psychological problem that affects many patients undergoing

surgery and initiates a surgical stress response. As a result of the response to surgical stress, cortisol reaches its

maximum level and vital signs change due to hormonal and neural effects.

Objective: To determine the effect of progressive respiratory relaxation training on the surgical stress response,

anxiety and vital signs.

Methods: In this study, experimental with a control group research model was used. Participants (N=78) were

randomly assigned. The experimental group received progressive breathing relaxation training before surgery.

The control group received only the usual preparation. The state anxiety scale (SAI) was used to determine the

anxiety level. Surgical stress response was determined by measuring vital signs, blood glucose, and cortisol

levels. Results: The difference between the vital signs of the two groups was not significant (p> 0.05), state

anxiety score of the experimental group decreased in the postoperative first day and blood glucose and plasma

cortisol levels were low on the 4th postoperative day. The difference between the plasma cortisol levels of the

groups on the 4th postoperative day was significant (p <0.05).

Conclusion: The findings of this study provide evidence to support the use of breathing relaxation technique due

to a positive effect in reducing the surgical stress response and anxiety.

Key Words: Progressive relaxation, surgical stress response, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, nursing