Stress ball may calm nerves before surgery, small study finds

NCT ID NCT06345768

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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

anxiety disorder cholecystitis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Samsun Üniversitesi Klinik Araştırma Etik Kurulu

    Samsun, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)