Playtime before surgery: bubbles and stories may ease anxiety in kids and parents
NCT ID NCT05540041
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested two simple play activities—bubble breathing and tell-show-do (a storytelling technique)—to see if they could reduce anxiety in children aged 5-12 and their parents before elective surgery. 210 families participated, and their anxiety levels were measured before and after the play sessions. The goal was to find a low-cost, non-drug way to make the pre-surgery experience less stressful.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
play therapy (bubble breathing and tell-show-do)
What this could lead to
If effective, these simple play techniques could become a standard way to help children and parents feel calmer before surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study with no long-term follow-up. The results may not apply to all hospitals or cultures, and the effect may be modest.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Akdeniz University
Antalya, Antalya/Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)