The Effect of Bedside Yoga Intervention on Early Mobilization in Children

The postoperative period is a critical phase in which early mobilization can accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Early movement improves lung ventilation, thereby decreasing the likelihood of atelectasis and pneumonia, while also enhancing circulation to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Furthermore, it promotes bowel motility, reduces the risk of constipation and ileus, preserves muscle strength, and improves overall well-being. Early mobilization has also been associated with better pain control, enhanced psychological well-being, reduced complication rates, and shorter hospital stays. However, in pediatric patients, factors such as pain, anxiety, and fear may delay the mobilization process. Yoga has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention due to its combination of breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and gentle physical movements. Previous studies have demonstrated that yoga can reduce pain perception, improve pain tolerance, alleviate stress-related symptoms, and support physical recovery in children. Evidence suggests that yoga-based interventions may contribute to pain management by promoting relaxation and reducing psychological distress. In postoperative settings, bed-based yoga exercises have been reported to facilitate musculoskeletal relaxation, improve respiratory function, decrease anxiety and stress levels, and encourage earlier mobilization. Systematic reviews have further indicated that yoga may enhance both physical and psychological recovery following surgery, particularly through its effects on pain reduction and functional rehabilitation. Although the benefits of bed-based yoga have been documented in adult surgical populations, research focusing on pediatric surgical patients remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of bed-based yoga on early mobilization in pediatric surgical patients during the postoperative period. By investigating the effectiveness of this non-pharmacological intervention, the study seeks to address an important gap in the literature and contribute to evidence-based postoperative nursing care practices.

Inclusion Criteria: * Hospitalized in a pediatric surgery unit for surgery. * Able to participating in pediatric yoga. * Able to understand and communicate in Turkish. Exclusion Criteria: * none