Progressive relaxation exercises reduce postoperative pain and improve sleep quality in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery
In a randomized controlled trial of 96 patients undergoing total knee replacement, progressive relaxation exercises led to significantly faster and greater reductions in postoperative pain (F=14.11, P=.000, η²=0.131) and significantly greater improvements in sleep quality (F=14.22, P<.001, η²=0.131) compared to control. Recovery index scores also improved more in the intervention group (F=6.531, P=.000, η²=0.065).
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Progressive relaxation exercises reduce postoperative pain and improve sleep quality in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
Progressive relaxation exercises reduce postoperative pain and improve sleep quality in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery
This conclusion is most relevant to: Patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery in a public hospital (n=96).
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercises on Postoperative Pain, Sleep Quality, and Recovery in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement Surgery. (Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Progressive relaxation exercises reduce muscle tension and stress response
- ▸Reduced stress and tension lower pain perception
- ▸Lower pain and relaxation promote better sleep quality
- ▸Improved sleep and pain control enhance postoperative recovery
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery in a public hospital (n=96)
Recommended Dose
N/A (exercise protocol not specified in abstract)
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single-center study may limit generalizability
- ▸Abstract does not describe the specific relaxation protocol or duration, making replication difficult
- ▸No blinding of participants (single-blind design) may introduce bias
Frequently Asked Questions
What are progressive relaxation exercises?▼
Progressive relaxation exercises involve systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to reduce physical and mental tension, often used to manage pain and improve sleep.
How long after surgery should progressive relaxation be started?▼
The abstract does not specify the timing, but the intervention was applied postoperatively; consult the full paper for details.
Can progressive relaxation replace pain medication after knee replacement?▼
No, this study suggests it as an adjunct to standard care, not a replacement for medication. Always follow your surgeon's advice.
What sleep quality measure was used in this study?▼
The Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) was used, along with a sleep-tracking smart bracelet to measure sleep duration.
References
- 1.Acar R, Çelik S. “The Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercises on Postoperative Pain, Sleep Quality, and Recovery in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement Surgery..” Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, 2026. PMID: 42541506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2026.07.003