The Effects of Stress Ball Practice on Patient Anxiety, Pain and Vital Signs During Cataract Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: Although cataract surgery is considered a daily surgical procedure, patients may experience pain and anxiety during surgery, which can affect their vital signs.

Aims: This study sought to examine the effects of the use of stress balls on anxiety levels, pain perception, and vital signs in patients during cataract surgery.

Methods: The research was conducted between 22.09.2022 and 24.04.2023. The sample comprised 66 patients who underwent cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia at the General Surgery Clinic of Antalya Kumluca State Hospital. The samples were divided into stress ball (n = 33) and control (n = 33) groups. Data were collected via a personal information form, the Visual Analog Scale-Anxiety (VAS-A), the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and a vital signs follow-up form. The stress ball group participants played with stress balls for 15 minutes during cataract surgery, whereas the control group participants received only routine care.

Results: Both groups had similar sociodemographic and descriptive characteristics (p > 0.05). The stress ball group had a significantly lower mean postoperative VAS pain score than the control group did (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the stress ball group had a significantly lower mean VAS anxiety score, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate (p < 0.001). The stress ball group had a significantly lower mean postoperative respiratory rate than the control group did (p < 0.05). The stress ball group had a higher mean postoperative oxygen saturation rate than the control group did (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that using a stress ball during cataract surgery decreased pain and anxiety levels in patients but also improved vital signs; however, it had no effect on oxygen saturation.