Stress ball squeeze eases pap smear pain, study finds
NCT ID NCT06679231
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether squeezing a stress ball during a gynecologic exam reduces pain and anxiety. 141 women aged 18-35 who had a Pap smear were randomly assigned to use a stress ball or not. The goal was to see if this simple technique could improve the patient experience and encourage more women to get regular exams.
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 simple, low-cost tool could help women feel less pain and anxiety during gynecologic exams, making them more likely to attend regular screenings.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with 141 participants. The stress ball may not work for everyone, and the effect might be modest. Results need confirmation in larger, more diverse groups.
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 GYNECOLOGIC are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Ağrı Training and Research Hospital
Ağrı, Ağrı, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.