Randomized controlled trial: Synergistic effect of three-ball mindfulness breathing rehabilitation training following pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer

To investigate the synergistic effect of three-ball mindfulness breathing rehabilitation training in the context of postoperative rehabilitation for patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer.

A total of 124 patients with lung cancer who underwent pulmonary lobectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from March 2024 to January 2025 were selected and randomly divided into two groups (n = 62 each) using a random number table. The control group received conventional pulmonary rehabilitation training, while the observation group received three-ball mindfulness breathing rehabilitation training on top of the conventional regimen. The intervention for both groups continued until one week after discharge, during which patients performed exercises independently. Recovery indicators (primary outcomes), postoperative complications, and scores for dyspnea (mMRC), exercise tolerance (6MWT), emotional status (DASS), and fatigue (Piper Fatigue Scale, PFS) (secondary outcomes) were compared between the two groups at admission, 1 day before surgery, 3 days after surgery, and 1 week after discharge.

The observation group showed shorter durations of pulmonary rales, sputum retention, and hospital stay compared to the control group (P < 0.05). At postoperative day 3 and 1 week after discharge, the mMRC scores were lower and 6MWT was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). At 1 day before surgery, 3 days after surgery, and 1 week after discharge, the DASS and PFS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (9.68% vs 17.74%, P > 0.05).

Three-ball mindfulness breathing rehabilitation training can alleviate fatigue and dyspnea in patients after pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer, regulate psychological status, and enhance exercise tolerance. It has a synergistic effect when combined with conventional pulmonary rehabilitation training.