Stress balls may ease pain and improve sleep in critically ill patients

NCT ID NCT07207837

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

Summary

This study tested whether using a stress ball can reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and stabilize vital signs in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Sixty adult patients who were awake and able to communicate were randomly assigned to use a stress ball or receive standard care. The stress ball is a simple, inexpensive, non-drug tool that may help relax muscles and lower stress hormones.

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 offer a simple, low-cost, side-effect-free way to help ICU patients feel less pain and sleep better.

What could go wrong

This is a small, single-center trial with only 60 patients. The results may not apply to all ICU patients, and the effect might be small or hard to measure.

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.

insomnia Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Giresun University Health Sciences Faculty

    Giresun, 28340, Turkey (Türkiye)