Fun breathing games to calm children before surgery

Plain-English translation of NCT07408037 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether teaching children simple, playful breathing exercises before surgery can help them feel calmer and recover better afterward. Children in the study learn games like blowing bubbles, using straws to move cotton balls, and pretending to blow out candles — all designed to teach slow, controlled breathing. The researchers want to see if these fun exercises reduce anxiety before surgery and confusion when waking up after the operation.

Many children feel scared before surgery, and some become confused or disoriented as they wake up from anesthesia. This trial exists to find out whether teaching calming breathing techniques through games — something children find fun rather than stressful — might help reduce these common reactions and improve recovery.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

your child is between 3 and 7 years old
your child is scheduled for planned (not emergency) surgery at the participating hospital
your child is in good general health or has only mild, well-controlled health conditions
you and your child are willing to participate and can provide written consent
you and your child do not have communication barriers such as severe hearing or speech problems

You likely don't qualify if…

your child has a chronic neurological or psychiatric disorder
your child has a respiratory disease that would make breathing exercises unsafe or difficult
your child or family has a serious communication barrier
your child needs emergency surgery rather than scheduled, planned surgery

What participation looks like

If your child is in the breathing games group, you and your child will learn the exercises together 2–3 days before surgery and then practice them for about 10 minutes every hour (roughly 10–15 times daily) until surgery day. The exercises include blowing bubbles, using a straw to move a ball, blowing on tissues, and other simple games. You'll also answer questions about your child's anxiety before surgery and note how your child acts as they wake up from anesthesia. Children in the comparison group receive standard preoperative care without the breathing games.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Turkey (Türkiye)

Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Hastanesi, Bursa, Bursa