Effect of Stress Ball Intervention on Psychophysiological Responses During Hernia Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of Stress Ball Intervention on Psychophysiological Responses During Hernia Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the stress ball applied during hernia surgery on the anxiety level, pain severity and vital signs of patients.
Hernia surgery is a common procedure aimed at repairing hernias that develop in the abdominal and groin walls. Postoperative pain in repairs performed with synthetic mesh poses a significant problem, depending on surgical technique and individual factors. Preoperative pain level, psychological sensitivity, and previous surgical experience can influence the severity and duration of pain. Preoperative anxiety can trigger physiological and neuroendocrine responses, leading to intraoperative and postoperative complications, increased analgesic requirements, and decreased patient satisfaction. Nonpharmacological methods are recommended in addition to pharmacological treatments for acute pain management.These approaches not only reduce anxiety but also strengthen patient collaboration. One such method, the use of a stress ball, reduces pain and anxiety, increasing patient comfort. The literature indicates that stress balls reduce anxiety and stress levels, increase patient satisfaction, and positively impact vital signs. However, randomized controlled trials examining these effects in hernia surgery are limited. This research is expected to offer unique contributions to the applicability of nonpharmacological approaches in surgery.
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