The Effect of Deep Breathing Exercise and 4-7-8 Breathing Techniques Applied to Patients After Bariatric Surgery on Anxiety and Quality of Life.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 36480101 · doi:10.1007/s11695-022-06405-1
What was done
A pre-test post-test randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of deep breathing and 4-7-8 breathing techniques on anxiety and quality of life in patients following bariatric surgery. A total of 90 patients were allocated into three groups of 30: deep breathing training, 4-7-8 breathing training, and routine care control. Outcomes were measured using the Personal Information Form, the Obesity-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
What was found
Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Post-test state anxiety levels in the 4-7-8 breathing group were significantly lower than those in the deep breathing group and the control group (p < 0.05). Quality of life scores in the deep breathing group increased significantly from pre-test to post-test. The abstract does not report exact numerical means, standard deviations, or effect sizes.
Why it matters
Structured breathing exercises may serve as low-cost, non-pharmacological bedside interventions to alleviate anxiety and support recovery in post-bariatric surgical care.
Limits
The trial had a modest sample size of 30 participants per arm. The abstract omits exact point estimates, standard deviations, confidence intervals, intervention duration, follow-up length, and blinding status.
Cited by
- context The 4-7-8 breathing technique was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil for the military to lower heart rate in high-stress situations.