Effect of 4-7-8 Breathing Technique on Pain and Anxiety During Electromyography in Diabetic Neuropathy

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Conditions studied: Diabetic Neuropathies, Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2), Pain, Anxiety

In brief

This study aims to determine the effect of the 4-7-8 breathing technique, applied during Electromyography (EMG) for the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, on the pain and anxiety levels experienced by patients with Type 2 diabetes. EMG is a diagnostic method that can cause pain and anxiety in patients. Due to the limited number of non-pharmacological studies in the literature focusing on pain management in diabetic individuals during this process, the investigation of the effectiveness of the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which strengthens parasympathetic activity, using a randomized controlled design constitutes the unique value of this study. The research will be conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design. The sample will consist of individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who are referred to the EMG outpatient clinic of Osmaniye Training and Research Hospital. The experimental group will receive training on the 4-7-8 breathing technique and will be instructed to apply it during the procedure, while the control group will receive the routine clinical protocol. Data will be collected using the Patient Identification Form, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), State Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire (DN4). The study expects the 4-7-8 breathing technique to significantly reduce pain and anxiety levels. It aims to improve the comfort of diabetic patients during procedures and the quality of diagnostic data, and to introduce this method into the literature as a low-cost and independent pain management strategy in nursing care. Furthermore, the study aligns with the "Health and Quality of Life" (SDG3) goal, which is part of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. SDG3 offers a comprehensive global framework aimed at ensuring healthy living for all individuals and promoting well-being at all ages; it includes increasing access to health services, improving the quality of care, and strengthening patient-centered approaches.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07702175
Run by: Nurgül Gün
People needed: 100
Starts: 2026-07-13
Expected to finish: 2027-04-15
Last updated by the study team: 2026-07-14

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Individuals aged 18-70 years who:
Have been diagnosed with Type 2 DM for at least one year,
Have diabetic peripheral neuropathy and are taking medications with a DN4 score >3,
Are cooperative and can communicate in Turkish. • Do not have orthopedic or surgical contraindications that would prevent them from undergoing testing.

You may not qualify if…

• Individuals with severe autonomic neuropathy findings (resting tachycardia, etc.),
Individuals with respiratory system diseases that prevent deep breathing, such as COPD and asthma,
Individuals with active infection or compromised skin integrity (dryness, cracks, open wounds, lesions, etc.) in the area where EMG will be performed,
Individuals with a mass (tumor, cystic formation, etc.) in the anatomical area where EMG will be performed,
Individuals with varicose veins (signs of venous insufficiency) in the anatomical area where EMG will be performed,
Individuals with edema in the area where EMG will be performed that may affect the quality of electrophysiological recordings,
Individuals with a dialysis catheter, central venous catheter, or implanted venous port,
Individuals who have used analgesics (painkillers) within 24 hours prior to the procedure,
Individuals who cannot follow breath commands due to hearing or visual impairment. • Individuals with any muscle disease,
Individuals receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy treatment at any time,
Individuals who have undergone knee, hip, or lumbar surgery,
Pregnant women,
Individuals with any inflammatory rheumatic disease,
Patients with pacemakers or ICDs,
Individuals with chronic kidney failure

Where it is running

Osmaniye Training and Research Hospital — Osmaniye, Osmaniye, Turkey (Türkiye)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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