The Effect of Stress Ball Use on Stress, Anxiety, and Vital Signs in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Launched by ATATURK UNIVERSITY · Jul 16, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether using a stress ball can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure, in patients receiving chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer. The study will involve 50 patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments every three weeks and are at certain stages of breast cancer (specifically stage 2A or 2B). The goal is to see if squeezing a stress ball during chemotherapy sessions can make the experience more comfortable and less stressful.

To join this study, patients need to be adults diagnosed with breast cancer at the specified stages and currently receiving their second or later chemotherapy treatment. They should not have certain health issues like migraines, seizures, or brain cancer, and must be able to use their hands to squeeze the stress ball. During the study, participants will be randomly assigned to either use a stress ball or not during their chemotherapy. Researchers will measure stress and anxiety levels before and after treatment to see if the stress ball makes a difference. This study is important because it explores a simple, drug-free way to help patients feel better during chemotherapy, which could improve their overall treatment experience.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Stage 2A-2B breast cancer
• • Receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy
• • On a chemotherapy protocol administered every 21 days
• • Receiving second or subsequent chemotherapy cycle
• • No migraine, vertigo, active nausea, vomiting, or headache
• • No history of seizures
• • No primary or metastatic brain cancer
• • No visual, hearing, or cognitive impairment
• • Age 18 or older
• • No communication barriers
• • Voluntary participation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Cancer types other than breast cancer
• • Unilateral or bilateral mastectomy
• • Any condition preventing hand use (e.g., pain, fracture, open wound)
• • IV access in both arms
• • Psychiatric diagnosis
• • Diagnosed anxiety disorder or current anti-anxiety medication use