Stress ball may calm nerves before surgery, small study finds

NCT ID NCT06345768

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Akdeniz University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether using a stress ball before gallbladder removal surgery helps reduce patients' fear, anxiety, and stress while improving comfort. Ninety adults scheduled for laparoscopic gallbladder removal were randomly assigned to either use a stress ball or receive standard care. Researchers measured fear, anxiety, comfort, and stress levels using questionnaires and visual scales.

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 effective, using a stress ball could be a simple, drug-free way to help patients feel calmer and more comfortable before surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with 90 patients, so results may not apply to everyone. The stress ball may not significantly reduce fear or anxiety for all patients.

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 disorder cholecystitis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHOLECYSTITIS COMFORT FEAR STRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Samsun Üniversitesi Klinik Araştırma Etik Kurulu

Samsun, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)

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