Stress Ball Use in Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Patients

Non‐invasive mechanical ventilation is the first‐line ventilatory support modality fortreating acute respiratory failure in patients hospitalized with type II respiratoryfailure. However, pain, anxiety, and impaired patient comfort experienced duringtreatment are among the principal factors affecting adherence to Non‐invasive mechanicalventilation. These factors may shorten the duration of therapy, reduce mask tolerance,and increase pain associated with mask‐related pressure.In recent years, distraction techniques have been increasingly employed to alleviatetreatment‐related discomfort. One such method is the use of a stress ball. Rhythmicsqueezing of the stress ball in the palm provides physical stimulation of muscles andperipheral nerve endings, thereby redirecting the patient's attention away fromunpleasant stimuli. This mechanism is thought to produce an acupuncture‐like effect,eliciting an analgesic response and reducing pain perception. Furthermore, stress balluse has been reported to stimulate endorphin release, contributing to reductions inanxiety, pain, and stress.Recent nursing research has demonstrated the widespread use of stress balls as adistraction technique across patients of all age groups, particularly among individualsundergoing oncology treatments, haemodialysis, and minor surgical procedures inpaediatric settings. To date, only one study has been identified that evaluated theeffects of stress ball use on pain and anxiety in patients receiving Non‐invasivemechanical ventilation. In Şeker's study, the intervention was applied to patients withchronic obstructive pulmonary disease; however, its effects on treatment duration andmask adherence were not investigated.