Stress Ball Use During Chemotherapy in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

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.

Study 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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• State Anxiety (STAI-State) score — Baseline (before chemotherapy session) and immediately after chemotherapy session

Trial sites (1)

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