The Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercises With Therapeutic Clown

The Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercises With Therapeutic Clown in Preoperative Period on Fear Anxiety and Physiological Parameters in Children

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of progressive relaxation exercises, performed with the assistance of a therapeutic clown during the pre-operative period, on fear, anxiety and physiological parameters in children. This randomised controlled trial included children aged 6-10 years undergoing circumcision surgery. The children were randomised into three groups: a progressive relaxation exercise group led by a therapeutic clown, a progressive relaxation group led by a nurse, and a control group. Fear, anxiety and physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) were assessed before and after the procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 6 and 10 years,
• Willing to participate in the study,
• Admitted to the clinic for elective circumcision surgery,
• Accessible prior to surgery,
• With no cognitive impairments,
• With no vision or hearing problems were included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children who wished to withdraw from the study during the study period were excluded.