ENHANCING RECOVERY IN ATHLETIC WOMEN: COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AND DECOMPRESSION BALL RELAXATION TECHNIQUES TO MITIGATE ANXIETY AND PAIN DURING NON-ANESTHETIZED OUTPATIENT HYSTEROSCOPY

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with decompression ball relaxation techniques in managing anxiety and pain in female athletes undergoing non-anesthetized outpatient hysteroscopy. Methods: Eighty female athletes scheduled for non-anesthetized outpatient hysteroscopy due to infertility issues were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups: a control group (n=40) receiving standard care and an intervention group (n=40) that received CBT and decompression ball relaxation in addition to standard care. Assessments were conducted using a general information questionnaire, state anxiety scale, surgical pressure rating scale, pain rating scale, and a postoperative experience scale. Vital signs and symptoms of induced abortion syndrome were also monitored. Results: Post-intervention, the intervention group reported significantly lower scores on the state anxiety and surgical pressure scales compared to the control group. Additionally, the pain scores were markedly reduced in the intervention group (1.525 ± 0.9868) compared to the control group (3.063 ± 1.8919), indicating a significant difference (P<0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of postoperative complications such as nausea, dizziness, and cold sweat was notably lower in the intervention group, which also reported a more positive surgical experience. Conclusion: The combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and decompression ball relaxation is highly effective in reducing anxiety and pain among female athletes undergoing non-anesthetized outpatient hysteroscopy. This approach leads to fewer postoperative complications and a more favorable surgical experience, making it a valuable strategy for enhancing athlete care in clinical settings.