This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, on pain, comfort, and quality of recovery in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study will be conducted between July 2025 and July 2026 at Yalova Training and Research Hospital's Orthopedics Clinic. Sixty patients will be randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group practicing Baduanjin and a control group receiving standard postoperative care. The intervention will begin on the first postoperative day and continue for three weeks. Outcome measures include the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the General Comfort Questionnaire, and the Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire. These assessments will be conducted weekly for three weeks. The control group will follow routine postoperative care without Baduanjin. The primary objective is to determine whether Baduanjin can improve postoperative outcomes in terms of pain reduction, increased comfort, and better recovery quality.
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequently performed orthopedic surgeries, especially among elderly individuals, to relieve pain, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis. However, the postoperative period can be challenging due to significant pain, reduced comfort, limited mobility, and psychological distress, all of which may negatively affect the recovery process. Effective postoperative management is essential to reduce pain, improve comfort, and enhance the quality of recovery. Pharmacological treatments are commonly used for postoperative pain management; however, their side effects and limitations have increased interest in complementary and integrative practices. One such practice is Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise that consists of eight gentle, coordinated movements. These movements integrate physical posture, breathing control, and mental focus to promote physical and emotional well-being. Baduanjin can be practiced while standing or sitting, making it suitable for patients in the postoperative period. Studies suggest that Baduanjin may reduce pain, improve psychological states such as anxiety and depression, and promote faster physical recovery through improved circulation, joint flexibility, and relaxation. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of Baduanjin exercises on pain intensity, comfort level, and quality of recovery in patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty. The study will be conducted between July 2025 and July 2026 at Yalova Training and Research Hospital, Orthopedics Clinic. A total of 60 participants will be randomly assigned into two groups using a random number table: a Baduanjin group (intervention) and a control group. The intervention group will perform supervised Baduanjin exercises starting from the first postoperative day for a duration of three weeks. Exercises will be practiced under nurse supervision and consist of the eight classical Baduanjin movements. Pain, comfort, and quality of recovery will be evaluated at the end of each week using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the General Comfort Questionnaire, and the Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) instrument. The control group will receive only routine postoperative care, including standard physical therapy and pain management, and will complete the same assessments at the same time intervals. The primary hypothesis is that Baduanjin practice will significantly reduce pain, increase comfort levels, and improve the quality of recovery in patients undergoing TKA compared to standard care. The secondary objective is to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting non-pharmacological, mind-body interventions in postoperative nursing care. Given its accessibility, safety, and ease of learning, Baduanjin may serve as a valuable complementary method to enhance surgical recovery and patient well-being
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
Baduanjin exercise
Niran Çoban
Yalova, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGThe Effect of Baduanjin on Pain
Visual Analogue Scale:The Visual Analog Scale is a one-dimensional scale commonly used to measure pain intensity. VAS is a measuring tool with a length of 0-10 cm (0-100 mm).Since the aim of the study is to determine the effect of the non-pharmacological method used on existing pain, VAS will be used in the pain assessment before and after the application. (Postoperative Day 1): Baseline assessment with VAS, (Postoperative Week 4): Follow-up assessment with VAS (Postoperative Week 8): Final assessment with VAS
Time frame: 12 month
The Effect of Baduanjin on Quality of Recovery
Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40): The QoR-40 scale evaluates post-surgical recovery and includes five sub-dimensions: emotional state, physical comfort, patient support, physical independence, and pain. It consists of 40 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1-5). Subscale scores are calculated by summing relevant items; total scores range from 40 to 200. Higher scores reflect better physical and emotional recovery, while lower scores indicate impaired well-being. The QoR-40 will be administered after transfer to the clinic, before the Su Jok therapy, to assess recovery quality in the first 24 hours post-surgery. Reassessments will be conducted at three time points: (1) Postoperative Day 1 (baseline), (2) Postoperative Week 4 (follow-up), and (3) Postoperative Week 8 (final). This structured approach will provide insight into the patient's recovery progress over time.
Time frame: 12 month
The Effect of Baduanjin on Comfort
General Comfort Scale: Developed by Kolcaba, the General Comfort Scale assesses individuals' comfort needs and the effectiveness of nursing interventions. It is structured on a taxonomy with three levels and four dimensions, reflecting the theoretical components of comfort. The scale includes 48 items rated on a four-point Likert scale. Items are a mix of positive and negative statements. In positive items, a score of 4 indicates high comfort, while 1 indicates low comfort. Negative items are reverse-scored before summing. The total score ranges from 48 to 192, with higher scores indicating greater overall comfort. In this study, the scale will be administered at three time points: (1) Postoperative Day 1 (baseline), (2) Postoperative Week 4 (follow-up), and (3) Postoperative Week 8 (final) to evaluate the progression of comfort throughout the recovery process.
Time frame: 12 month
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