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

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.