Stress ball may ease anxiety during hand surgery, study finds

NCT ID NCT06742814

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether using a stress ball during local anesthesia for hand surgery can lower anxiety and pain. 74 adults were randomly assigned to either squeeze a stress ball or receive standard care. Researchers measured heart rate variability and self-reported anxiety and pain levels. The goal is to find a simple, drug-free way to improve the surgical experience.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: stress ball
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give doctors a simple, no-drug way to help patients feel calmer and less pain during minor surgeries.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 74 people. The effect may be small or not work for everyone, and stress balls are not a substitute for medical anxiety treatment.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch

Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu Branch

Hsinchu, Taiwan

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