This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of preprocedural hand exercise using a stress ball on the incidence of radial artery spasm and other vascular complications in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography via the transradial approach. A total of 400 adult patients scheduled for elective diagnostic or interventional coronary procedures will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group (preprocedural stress ball exercise) or a control group (standard care). The intervention group will perform hand exercises with a soft stress ball for 5 minutes, three times daily, for three consecutive days prior to the procedure.
The primary outcomes are the incidence of radial artery spasm during the procedure and the overall rate of radial artery complications.
Secondary outcomes include patient-reported pain score (visual analog scale) during the procedure and the incidence of radial artery occlusion at 7 days, assessed by Doppler ultrasonography.
This study aims to determine whether this simple, low-cost strategy can reduce radial artery-related complications and improve patient comfort during transradial coronary procedures.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age between 18 and 85 years
* Elective radial coronary angiography planned
* Written informed consent provided
* Ability to understand and comply with the stress ball exercise protocol (3×5 minutes/day for 3 days prior to procedure)
* Palpable radial pulse on the planned access site
Exclusion Criteria:
* Emergent or urgent coronary procedures
* Known radial artery occlusion or non-palpable radial pulse on the intended access side
* Prior arteriovenous fistula or vascular surgery in the ipsilateral arm
* History of Raynaud's disease, severe peripheral artery disease, or Buerger's disease
* Neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting hand grip (e.g., stroke, advanced arthritis, peripheral neuropathy)
* Cognitive impairment or psychiatric condition preventing protocol adherence
* Inability to use hand muscles effectively (e.g., recent hand trauma, paralysis)
* Unwillingness or inability to perform the stress ball exercises as instructed
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.