EFFECTIVENESS OF DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING RELAXATION THERAPY IN REDUCING PAIN LEVELS AMONG PATIENTS WITH STROKE: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the leading non-communicable diseases and a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. In addition to neurological impairments, stroke patients frequently experience pain, which can hinder the rehabilitation process, reduce quality of life, and delay recovery. Non-pharmacological interventions such as diaphragmatic breathing therapy have been developed as complementary approaches to reduce pain perception through relaxation mechanisms and improved body oxygenation. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of diaphragmatic breathing therapy on changes in pain levels among stroke patients at Dadi Regional Special Hospital, South Sulawesi Province. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design using a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The study was conducted from January to February 2026 and involved 71 stroke patients selected through purposive sampling. The intervention consisted of diaphragmatic breathing therapy administered according to a standardized operating procedure. Pain levels were measured before and after the intervention using an observation sheet. Data analysis was performed to assess differences in pain levels before and after the therapy. Results: The results showed that diaphragmatic breathing therapy had a significant effect on reducing pain levels among stroke patients. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between pain levels before and after the intervention, with a p-value of 0.001 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Diaphragmatic breathing therapy is effective in reducing pain levels among stroke patients. This intervention can be recommended as a simple, safe, and easily applicable non-pharmacological nursing strategy to support pain management in stroke patients.