This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of diaphragmatic deep breathing exercises on pain and hemodynamic parameters in patients after peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group, which performed the breathing exercises, or a control group, which received standard post-PTA care.

Pain levels and hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, were measured before and after the intervention. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected to explore potential associations with patient responses.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether diaphragmatic deep breathing can reduce post-PTA pain and support hemodynamic stability, thereby improving patient comfort and recovery outcomes.

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the effectiveness of diaphragmatic deep breathing exercises on pain intensity and hemodynamic parameters in adult patients following peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Eligible participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which performed structured diaphragmatic breathing exercises, or the control group, which received standard post-PTA care.

Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) before, immediately after, and one hour following the exercises. Hemodynamic parameters-including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and oxygen saturation-were recorded at the same time points. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected to examine potential associations with the participants' responses to the intervention.

The study aims to determine whether diaphragmatic deep breathing exercises can effectively reduce post-PTA pain and support hemodynamic stability, offering a non-pharmacological approach to improve patient comfort and recovery outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 years and older.
• Patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and scheduled for peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).
• Patients able to communicate effectively and understand instructions.
• Patients who agree to participate and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hemodynamically unstable patients
• Patients with psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment affecting communication
• Pregnant patients
• Patients with severe respiratory diseases that interfere with breathing exercises
• Patients receiving opioid analgesics (e.g., pethidine) immediately after the procedure that may influence pain perception or hemodynamic parameters
• Patients with conditions affecting pain perception (e.g., diabetic peripheral neuropathy) or those receiving chronic analgesic therapy that may alter pain assessment.

Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. The study involves sensitive health information, and data sharing is restricted in accordance with institutional regulations and ethical approvals. Aggregate study results will be published without disclosing any identifiable participant information.

Not applicable; all participants, care providers, and investigators were aware of group assignments.