Using virtual reality or a stress ball to reduce fear, pain, anxiety, and improve satisfaction during ureteroscopy

Effect of Virtual Reality and Stress Ball Interventions on Procedure-Related Fear, Pain, Anxiety, and Patient Satisfaction in Patients Undergoing Ureterorenoscopy

NA · Tarsus University · NCT07265960

This study tests whether watching calming virtual reality scenes or squeezing a stress ball can reduce fear, pain, and anxiety and improve satisfaction for adults having ureteroscopy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTarsus University (other)
Locations1 site (Mersin, Tarsus)
Trial IDNCT07265960 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial that enrolls 90 adults scheduled for ureterorenoscopy and randomizes them into three groups: virtual reality (nature scenes with relaxing music), stress ball use, or usual care. Participants complete baseline measures (Demographic Form, State Anxiety Inventory, Procedure-Related Fear Scale) on admission and repeat anxiety, pain (Visual Analog Scale), and satisfaction (Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale) after the procedure. The interventions are delivered in clinic before and during the procedure as applicable, and data collection is standardized to compare changes across groups. The trial is conducted at Tarsus University in Mersin, Turkey, with inclusion criteria including age ≥18, Turkish language fluency, no prior VR experience, and no mental health disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (age 18+) scheduled for ureteroscopy who are conscious, cooperative, fluent in Turkish, without visual or hearing impairments, without prior VR experience, and without mental health disorders are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain, cognitive or sensory impairments, active mental health disorders, prior VR experience, or those unable to attend the Tarsus University clinic are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these low-cost, nonpharmacologic methods could reduce procedure-related fear, pain, and anxiety and improve patient satisfaction during ureteroscopy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in other procedures have shown that virtual reality can reduce procedural anxiety and pain, while evidence for stress-ball interventions is more limited and mixed.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Aged 18 years or older,

  * Scheduled for ureteroscopy (URS),
  * Fully conscious, oriented, and cooperative,
  * Provided written informed consent to participate in the study,
  * Able to speak and understand Turkish,
  * Without visual or hearing impairments,
  * No prior experience with virtual reality (VR),
  * Without any mental health disorders.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those who do not wish to participate or who wish to withdraw from the study, • Patients with chronic pain.

Where this trial is running

Mersin, Tarsus

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: Ureteroscopy, Virtual reality, Stress ball, Anxiety, Pain, Patient satisfaction, Nursing

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.