Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

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

Turkey (Türkiye)100 participantsStarted 2026-07-13

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 70 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * • 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…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain Score

Timeframe: Pain levels will be assessed at multiple specific time points throughout the study: baseline (immediately before the EMG procedure), during the EMG procedure,and immediately following the completion of the EMG procedure

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07702175

SponsorNurgül Gün

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-02-15

Contact for this trial

Nurgül GÜN, MSc, RN

+90 553 869 46 78 nurgul.gun@hku.edu.tr

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Diabetic Neuropathies trials