NCT07383935

Stress Ball Use During Chemotherapy in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients

The Effect of Stress Ball on Anxiety, Fear and Vital Signs in Patients With Gastrointestinal System Cancer

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Artvin Coruh University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study will investigate whether using a stress ball during chemotherapy can reduce anxiety, fear, and changes in vital signs in patients with gastrointestinal system cancers. Patients receiving chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers often experience anxiety and fear, which may affect their heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. A stress ball is a simple, low-cost, and safe method that may help patients relax during treatment. In this randomized controlled study, 60 patients receiving chemotherapy will be assigned to either a stress ball group or a routine care group. Patients in the stress ball group will squeeze a stress ball for 15 minutes during their chemotherapy session. Anxiety, fear levels, and vital signs will be measured before and after chemotherapy in both groups. The results of this study may help determine whether stress ball use is an effective non-drug method to improve emotional well-being and physiological stability in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Detailed description

This study is a randomized controlled experimental trial designed to evaluate the effects of stress ball use during chemotherapy on anxiety, fear, and vital signs in patients with gastrointestinal system cancers. Participants will be adult patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal system cancers who are receiving chemotherapy at the Artvin State Hospital Chemotherapy Unit. Eligible patients who provide informed consent will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental group (stress ball intervention) or a control group (routine care). Patients in the experimental group will be instructed to squeeze a medium-firm stress ball for 15 minutes starting at the beginning of their chemotherapy session. They will be guided to inhale while squeezing the ball and exhale while releasing it, focusing their attention on the activity. Patients in the control group will receive routine chemotherapy care without any additional intervention. Anxiety and fear levels will be assessed before and after chemotherapy using validated measurement tools. Vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and oxygen saturation will also be recorded before and after the chemotherapy session. Outcomes will be compared between and within groups to determine the effectiveness of the stress ball intervention. This study aims to provide evidence on whether a simple non-pharmacological method can improve psychological well-being and physiological stability during chemotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal system cancers.

Conditions

• Gastrointestinal System Cancer

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Stress Ball	The intervention consists of guided stress ball squeezing during chemotherapy. A round, medium-firm, compressible stress ball approximately 5-6 cm in diameter will be provided to participants. Starting at the beginning of the chemotherapy session, participants will squeeze the stress ball continuously for 15 minutes. They will be instructed to inhale while squeezing the ball, exhale while releasing their grip, and focus their attention on the squeezing activity. Disposable gloves will be used to maintain hygiene during the intervention. No additional behavioral or pharmacological interventions will be applied.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-03
• Primary completion: 2027-02-03
• Completion: 2027-02-03
• First posted: 2026-02-03
• Last updated: 2026-02-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)