A Randomized Controlled Trial of Multisensory Stimulation and Family-Involved Rehabilitation in Elderly Thoracic...

Elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery often experience postoperative pain, anxiety, and delayed functional recovery. Multisensory stimulation nursing (MSSN) and family-participatory rehabilitation training (FPRT) are recognized non-pharmacological approaches; however, evidence for their combined use in this population remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of MSSN combined with FPRT on pain, anxiety, sleep quality, and physical function in elderly patients after thoracic surgery. In this randomized controlled trial, patients aged ≥65 years undergoing elective thoracic surgery were assigned to a control group (routine care, n = 38) or an intervention group (routine care plus MSSN and FPRT, n = 39). MSSN involved 20-min multisensory sessions five times per week for 4 weeks, while FPRT included structured family-assisted respiratory and mobility exercises. Outcomes included pain (NRS), anxiety (HADS-A), sleep quality (PSQI), grip strength, and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in pain (group × time interaction, P = 0.01; week 2: B = 0.21, P = 0.007; week 4: B = 0.23, P = 0.004) and anxiety (B = -3.42, P = 0.002) compared to the control group. Significant improvements were also observed in sleep quality (PSQI change: -2.71 ± 1.13 vs. -0.94 ± 1.25, P = 0.004), grip strength (week 4: B = -0.31, P = 0.008), and 6MWD (54 m vs. 27 m improvement, P < 0.01), with the 54 m improvement exceeding the estimated minimal clinically important difference (30 m). Postoperative pulmonary complications were lower in the intervention group (7.5% vs. 22.5%), and no adverse events were reported. Combined MSSN and FPRT may safely reduce pain and anxiety while improving sleep and functional recovery in elderly thoracic surgery patients.