Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Different Methods in Reducing Pain and Anxiety

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Different Methods in Reducing Pain and Anxiety During Blood Collection: Breathing Exercises and Stress Ball

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of distraction techniques (breathing exercises and stress ball squeezing) applied to adults during blood collection on pain and anxiety. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 90 patients who applied for admission to the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department of Turgutlu State Hospital between March 2025 and February 2026, comprising 30 breathing exercise, 30 stress ball, and 30 control groups. Data collection utilised the 'Demographic Characteristics Form', the 'State Anxiety Scale' and the 'Visual Anxiety Scale', the 'Visual Pain Scale'the 'Life Findings Form' to record life and the 'Informed Consent Form' were used . Descriptive statistical methods (number, percentage, median, mean, standard deviation), chi-square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal- Wallis, Wilcoxon, Bonferroni and Friedman were used when evaluating the data.

Inclusion Criteria for the Study Individuals who are 18-65 years of age, have no verbal, perceptual, or visual communication problems, have person-place-time orientation, have an average pressure pain threshold of 8-16 pounds (Lb), have not used any medication that would produce an analgesic effect in the last 6 hours before blood sampling, do not have chronic or acute pain, do not have a disease that would impair their ability to feel pain (such as neuropathy), are on their first day of hospitalization, and are willing to participate in the study were included.

Exclusion Criteria Individuals who cannot have IV procedures performed on their forearm veins, have a diagnosis of stroke from cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), cannot actively use their hands (hemiplegia, fracture, fistula, etc.), have respiratory tract disease, have a condition that prevents them from performing breathing exercises, and have never had blood drawn before were not included in the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with no communication difficulties in terms of verbal, sensory, or visual aspects,
• who are oriented to person, time, and place,
• with an average pressure pain threshold of 8-16 pounds (lb),
• who have not taken any medication that would produce an analgesic effect within the
• last 6 hours prior to the blood draw,
• who do not have chronic or acute pain,
• who do not have a condition that would impair their ability to feel pain (such as neuropathy),
• who are on the first day of their hospital admission,
• who are willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who cannot undergo IV procedures in their forearm veins,
• who have been diagnosed with stroke due to cerebrovascular disease (CVD),
• who cannot actively use their hands (e.g., due to hemiplegia, fractures, or fistulas) for the breathing exercises group;
• individuals with respiratory diseases,
• those with conditions preventing them from performing breathing exercises,
• individuals who have never had blood drawn before