Simple squeeze or deep breath: new study eases endoscopy jitters for seniors
NCT ID NCT06645457
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested two simple, drug-free methods — squeezing a stress ball or practicing the 4-7-8 breathing technique — to help elderly patients feel less fearful and anxious before an upper GI endoscopy. 75 first-time patients were randomly assigned to one of the techniques, and researchers measured their fear, anxiety, and vital signs before and after. The goal was to see if these easy tools could make the procedure less stressful without medication.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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75 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Finished
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Feb 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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65 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Upper GI Endoscopy will be performed for the first time, 2. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Status I-II 3. Those over 18 years of age 4. Participates in the research voluntarily and is willing to cooperate. 5. No visual impairment, hearing impairment or communication problem, 6. Not having a psychiatric diagnosis and not using anxiolytic, hypnotic or sedative drugs Exclusion Criteria: 1. Those diagnosed with severe respiratory failure 2. Those who have health problems in the hand, wrist or arm area that prevent squeezing the stress ball. 3. Using psychiatric medication (antipsychotic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, sedative, etc. 4. Anyone who wishes to leave the research at any stage of the research, with his or her own initiative.
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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
Locations
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Mehtap ÇULLU
Muğla, 48000, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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