The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Before Gastroscopy on Anxiety, Fear, and Vital Signs

Summary

Gastroscopy, performed as an invasive procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal tract diseases, is often perceived by patients as an unpleasant and frightening experience, leading to anxiety (Hua et al., 2025). The onset of anxiety reduces procedure tolerance and negatively affects patient compliance (Yang et al., 2024). Factors such as pain, fear of complications, loss of control, and inadequate information are frequently cited as contributors to pre-gastroscopy anxiety (Helba, 2024). Anxiety triggers general stress responses-such as tachycardia, hypertension, and respiratory changes-associated with autonomic nervous system activation, and it impacts sedation requirements and cardiopulmonary risks (Liu, 2025). Breathing exercises, a non-pharmacological intervention, are widely recognized in the literature as effective in alleviating anxiety and fostering positive outcomes in patients (Aktaş, 2022; Bulut \& Karabulut, 2023). Breathing exercises stand out as a safe, low-cost method that modulates autonomic nervous system activity (Herawati et al., 2023). This study examines the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises performed prior to gastroscopy on anxiety, fear, and vital signs. The results of this study will establish a scientific foundation for healthcare professionals regarding the clinical application of breathing exercises and contribute to evidence-based practices aimed at reducing pre-gastroscopy anxiety and fear while enhancing personal coping.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 years or older.
* Scheduled to undergo diagnostic gastroscopy.
* Medically eligible for gastroscopy (ASA Physical Status \< III or suitable according to the institution's sedation protocol).
* Able to read and understand the study information and questionnaires. Willing to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cardiac, pulmonary, or other clinical conditions for which the attending physician considers breathing exercises inappropriate.
* Diagnosed anxiety disorder or psychotic disorder.
* Development of severe dizziness, syncope, severe dyspnea, chest pain, nausea, marked discomfort, or significant breathing irregularity during the breathing intervention.
* Withdrawal of consent or unwillingness to continue participation.
* Inability to complete the intervention because of unexpected changes in the timing of the gastroscopy procedure.

Conditions6

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