Breathing and music eased pain and anxiety after orthopedic surgery
A hospital trial reported lower pain and anxiety with rhythmic breathing or chosen instrumental music than with no specific study intervention.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Both intervention groups had lower pain and anxiety than the control group at the reported postoperative assessments. Pulse and blood pressure also declined relative to control. The abstract does not give effect sizes, so it cannot show how noticeable the symptom differences were or establish which option worked better.
This abstract-based account cannot show the size or practical importance of symptom changes because symptom scales, effect sizes and confidence intervals are missing.
What researchers found
Pain intensity and anxiety: statistical significance
Both intervention groups had lower pain intensity and anxiety than control at 12 and 24 hours after surgery. This p value indicates statistical significance, not how much symptoms improved; effect sizes were not supplied.
What participants received
Participants were assigned to breathing, music or control conditions after surgery. The music group chose instrumental tracks, while the breathing group practiced rhythmic techniques; the control group received no specific study intervention.
Comparing the approaches
Breathing and music did not differ significantly in their effects on pulse or blood pressure. This leaves uncertainty about differences between the approaches; it does not establish that they are equivalent.
The original publication
Evaluating Rhythmic Breathing and Music Therapy for Pain and Anxiety Management After Orthopedic Surgery.
Zarei M, Shahdadi H, Naderifar M et al.
Orthop Nurs · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41603662
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.