Examination of the effects of virtual reality glasses and stress ball applications on pain, vital signs, anxiety, fear, satisfaction, and comfort levels during the dressing changes in patients who underwent abdominal surgery

Turk J Surg. 2026 Mar 5;42(1):73-84. doi: 10.47717/turkjsurg.2026.2025-10-24.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of virtual reality glasses and stress-ball use on pain, vital signs, anxiety, fear, satisfaction, and comfort during dressing changes in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research is a randomized experimental study with pretest-posttest control group design. The study was conducted from 8 August to 20 November 2024 in general surgery unit 1 of a city hospital in the Mediterranean Region of Türkiye. A total of 156 patients who underwent abdominal surgery and met the sampling criteria were included in the study: 52 in the virtual reality group, 52 in the stress ball group, and 52 in the control group. Data were collected using the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics form, state-trait anxiety inventory, and visual analog scale.

RESULTS: Patients who were given virtual reality glasses and a stress ball during dressing changes reported higher levels of comfort and relaxation than those in the control group. Fear levels during dressing changes were also higher in the virtual reality group than in the other groups. Anxiety levels were lower in the intervention groups (virtual reality and stress ball) compared to the control group. No statistically significant differences were found among the groups with respect to pain, vital signs, or satisfaction.

CONCLUSION: The use of virtual reality glasses and stress balls during dressing changes in patients appears to be effective in enhancing comfort and reducing anxiety.

PMID:41784279 | DOI:10.47717/turkjsurg.2026.2025-10-24