Playtime before surgery: bubbles and stories may ease anxiety in kids and parents

NCT ID NCT05540041

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Isparta University of Applied Sciences Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANXIETY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder primary interstitial lung disease specific to childhood

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANXIETY CHILD PARENTS PREOPERATIVE CARE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Akdeniz University

Antalya, Antalya/Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.