Using games and stress balls to reduce anxiety before knee surgery

Effectiveness of Game Activity and Stress Ball on Preoperative Anxiety and Vital Signs

NA · Suleyman Demirel University · NCT06523413

This study is testing whether playing games or using stress balls can help reduce anxiety in people getting knee surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSuleyman Demirel University (other)
Locations1 site (Isparta)
Trial IDNCT06523413 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial investigates the impact of game activities and stress ball usage on preoperative anxiety and vital signs in patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty. Participants will be divided into three groups: one engaging in game activities, another using stress balls, and a control group receiving no intervention. The study aims to assess how these methods can alleviate anxiety and improve vital signs before surgery, utilizing tools like the State Anxiety Scale and vital signs monitoring. The research highlights the importance of managing preoperative anxiety to enhance surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for total knee arthroplasty and have passed the Mini-Cog test.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable general conditions, psychological disorders, or those on antidepressant medication may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce preoperative anxiety and improve recovery outcomes for patients undergoing knee surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of game-based approaches for anxiety management has been successful in pediatric populations, the application of stress balls in this context is less explored, making this study a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Being over 18 years old Undergoing total knee arthroplasty Having passed the Mini-Cog test Ability to understand, read, and write Turkish No hearing or speech problems Having a person accompanying the patient

Exclusion Criteria:

Not wanting to participate in the research Unstable general condition Sudden change in vital signs Having a psychological disorder and using antidepressant medication Having any psychiatric or cognitive/mental disease (e.g., dementia) Use of psychiatric medication for any reason

Where this trial is running

Isparta

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anxiety, Arthroplasty Complications, anxiety, vital signs, artroplasty

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.