The effect of applying eye movement exercise on pain and sleep quality among children undergoing chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: Nursing interventions that apply neutropenic precautions, provide medication, offer nutritional and psychological support, and address side effects such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and infection are beneficial for children undergoing chemotherapy. Pain and sleep difficulties are common in children receiving chemotherapy. Therefore, this study looks at eye movement exercises as a non-pharmacological means of enhancing their comfort and overall health. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate effect of applying eye movement exercise on pain and sleep quality among children undergoing chemotherapy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: To accomplish this study's goal, a quasi-experimental research approach was employed. The research was carried out at the Oncology Center affiliated with Mansoura University. A selective sample of fifty children receiving chemotherapy in the setting was included in the study. Three tools were employed to gather data: Tool I: A structured interviewing questionnaire consisting of two sections (Part 1: Child characteristics; Part 2: Children's medical history); Tool II: Pain Rating Scale; Tool III: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: The findings of the current study revealed that the implementation of eye movement exercises reduced the mean pain levels among children receiving chemotherapy and improved their sleep quality. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study indicate that a structured eye movement exercise program may contribute to reducing pain levels and improving sleep quality among children receiving chemotherapy. As a simple, non-invasive, and low-cost intervention, eye movement exercises can be considered as a supportive nursing strategy to enhance patient comfort during chemotherapy. However, further research with larger sample sizes and controlled study designs is recommended to strengthen the evidence and confirm the effectiveness of this intervention in pediatric oncology settings. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.