Evaluating Rhythmic Breathing and Music Therapy for Pain and Anxiety Management After Orthopedic Surgery

This single-blind controlled clinical trial compared the effectiveness of rhythmic breathing and music therapy in managing pain, anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure in patients following orthopedic surgery. A total of 90 patients were recruited from the orthopedic departments of Shahid Chamran Hospital, Shiraz, after orthopedic surgery on the lower limb. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The rhythmic breathing group practiced breathing techniques for 20 minutes postsurgery, while the music therapy group listened to their chosen instrumental music for the same duration. The control group received no specific intervention. Pain intensity, anxiety levels, pulse rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased in both the rhythmic breathing and music therapy groups compared to the control group at both 12 and 24 hr postsurgery (p < .05). The comparison of results between the music therapy and rhythmic breathing groups showed no significant differences in pulse rates or blood pressure (p > .05). Rhythmic breathing was notably effective for pain reduction, while music therapy significantly decreased anxiety levels. These results suggest that integrating nonpharmacological interventions can improve postoperative care and recovery, warranting further research on their long-term benefits and clinical applications.