Stress Ball Effectiveness: Research Overview
Stress balls, also known as stress relievers, are commonly used to help manage stress and anxiety. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate their effectiveness, and here we summarize key findings from academic research:
1. Effectiveness in Reducing Physiological Symptoms of Stress
A study titled “Effectiveness of Stress Balls in Reducing the Physiological Symptoms of Stress”
measured changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductance in college-aged individuals. The study compared an experimental group that received a stress ball with a control group that did not. The results did not show a significant difference between the two groups for heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, or galvanic skin response. This suggests that stress balls may not be effective in reducing these specific physiological symptoms following an episode of induced acute stress.
2. Impact on Stress Levels in Hemodialysis Patients
Another study, “The effect of a stress ball on stress, vital signs and patient comfort in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial”
, investigated the effect of stress balls on stress, vital signs, and comfort levels in hemodialysis patients. The study found no significant difference in vital signs and comfort levels between the experimental and control groups. However, the stress score of the experimental group, which used the stress ball, decreased significantly, while the stress score of the control group increased. This indicates that stress balls can have a positive effect on stress levels, even if they do not affect vital signs or comfort.
3. Effectiveness in Painful and Fearful Interventions in Children
A study titled “Effectiveness of stress ball and relaxation exercises on polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) test-induced fear and pain in adolescents in Türkiye”
adds to the body of evidence, suggesting that stress balls are effective in painful and fearful interventions in children. This study contributes to the understanding of stress ball effectiveness in managing fear and pain, particularly in younger populations.
Conclusion
Research on stress balls has shown mixed results regarding their effectiveness. While some studies suggest that stress balls do not significantly reduce physiological symptoms of stress in certain populations, others indicate that they can positively impact stress levels, particularly in specific contexts such as hemodialysis treatment. The effectiveness of stress balls may vary depending on the individual and the context in which they are used. Further research is recommended to explore the potential benefits of stress balls in different disease groups and fields.
Post time: Dec-23-2024