This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a single preoperative pain neuroscience education (PNE) session on postoperative pain-related outcomes in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Participants were randomly allocated to either a PNE group, which received a structured preoperative PNE session in addition to routine preoperative care, or a control group, which received routine preoperative information and care. Outcomes included pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, pain vigilance and awareness, and pressure pain threshold. Assessments were conducted preoperatively and at 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery.
This study was designed as a prospective, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The study investigated whether preoperative pain neuroscience education could influence acute and persistent postoperative pain-related outcomes following CABG. Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group received a structured pain neuroscience education session before surgery in addition to routine preoperative care. The educational session addressed the neurophysiology of pain, the role of the nervous system and brain in pain perception, factors that may influence pain experiences, common misconceptions about pain, and strategies for understanding and coping with postoperative pain. Participants in the control group received routine preoperative information and care without structured pain neuroscience education. Assessments were performed at baseline before surgery and at 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pain-related cognitive and attentional factors were assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire (PVAQ). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed using a digital pressure algometer. The study aimed to determine whether a brief preoperative educational intervention targeting pain-related knowledge and beliefs could improve postoperative pain and pain-related outcomes in patients undergoing CABG.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
76
Participants received a structured pain neuroscience education session preoperatively in addition to routine preoperative care. The education addressed the neurophysiology of pain, the role of the nervous system and brain in pain perception, factors influencing the pain experience, common pain-related misconceptions, and strategies for understanding and coping with postoperative pain.
Harran University Faculty of Medicine Training and Research Hospital
Sanliurfa, Şanlıurfa, Turkey (Türkiye)
Cough-Evoked Surgical-Site Pain Intensity at 3 Months
Cough-evoked pain intensity at the surgical site was assessed using a 0-10 pain rating scale, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.
Time frame: 3 months after surgery
Cough-Evoked Surgical-Site Pain Intensity
Cough-evoked pain intensity at the surgical site was assessed using a 0-10 pain rating scale, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.
Time frame: 24 hours and 1 month after surgery
Pain Catastrophizing
Pain catastrophizing was assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The PCS consists of 13 items scored from 0 to 4, yielding a total score ranging from 0 to 52. Higher scores indicate greater pain catastrophizing.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery
Pain Vigilance and Awareness
Pain-related vigilance and attention were assessed using the Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire (PVAQ). The PVAQ consists of 16 items, with higher total scores indicating greater attention to and vigilance for pain.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery
Local Pressure Pain Threshold
Local mechanical pain sensitivity was assessed using pressure pain threshold (PPT) testing with a pressure algometer at a site adjacent to the sternotomy region. The pressure at which the sensation first became painful was recorded, with higher PPT values indicating lower mechanical pain sensitivity.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery
Remote Pressure Pain Threshold
Remote mechanical pain sensitivity was assessed using pressure pain threshold (PPT) testing with a pressure algometer at a site remote from the surgical area. The pressure at which the sensation first became painful was recorded, with higher PPT values indicating lower mechanical pain sensitivity
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery
Chronic Postsurgical Pain
The presence of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) was assessed at 3 months after CABG based on the presence of persistent pain related to the surgical procedure.
Time frame: 3 months after surgery
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