Using a stress ball during oral care to see if it reduces pain and stress
Official title: The Effect of a Stress Ball on Pain, Anxiety, and Stress During Oral Care Procedures: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study
Run by Yuzuncu Yil University · NCT07676422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing whether squeezing a stress ball during oral care in the ICU helps conscious patients feel less pain and anxiety.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Yuzuncu Yil University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Van) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 25, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07676422 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older who are conscious and able to communicate, needing oral care in the ICU, and willing to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with heavy sedation, limited arm movement, severe neurological disorders, or an inability to squeeze a ball may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares a stress-ball distraction during oral care procedures in conscious ICU patients to routine care. Participants are randomly assigned to either use a stress ball for 15–20 minutes during the procedure or receive standard care. Pre- and post-procedure measurements assess pain, anxiety, and stress levels to determine any benefit. Eligible adults must be able to communicate and consent, with exclusions for heavy sedation or limited arm movement. The study is led by Yuzuncu Yil University at Van Training and Research Hospital in Van, Turkey.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience reduced pain and stress during routine oral care in the ICU.
How similar studies have gone: Evidence in distraction techniques suggests possible reductions in pain and anxiety with similar interventions, but this exact approach is relatively novel for ICU oral care.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being 18 years of age or older, * Being conscious and able to communicate, * Having an indication for oral care application, * Agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily. Exclusion Criteria: * Being under heavy sedation, * Those with limited upper extremity movement, * Those with severe neurological disorders, * Having any problem with squeezing a ball in their hand (wound, fracture, weakness) Termination Criteria: * Those who wish to withdraw from the study, * Those who change institutions/city, * The study will be terminated in the event of the patient's death.
Where it's running
-
Sbu. Van Training and Research Hospital
Van, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yavuz Uren, Asst. Prof
- Email: yavuzuren@yyu.edu.tr
- Phone: +905065961050
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.