The Effect of Isometric Exercise and Dry Heat Application on PIVC

Patients admitted to the chemotherapy unit were approached before treatment and informed about the purpose and procedures of the study. Eligibility was assessed according to the inclusion criteria, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients who met the eligibility criteria and voluntarily agreed to participate.

The data collection procedure consisted of the following steps:

Baseline assessment: Participants first completed the socio-demographic section of the Patient Information Form, and the responses were recorded by the researcher.

Pre-intervention vein assessment: A tourniquet was applied to the patient's upper extremity, and vein characteristics were assessed by the nurse using the Vein Rating Scale (VRS) and the Vein Assessment Tool (VAT). During this assessment, no manoeuvres intended to enhance vein visibility (e.g., repeated hand opening and closing, tapping, or slapping the vein) were permitted after tourniquet application. The tourniquet was then removed, and the patient rested for 10 minutes before baseline (pre-test) measurements were recorded.

Intervention: Participants received one of the study interventions according to their assigned group.

Isometric exercise group: Participants were provided with silicone hand exercise balls and instructed to squeeze and release the ball 15-20 times.

Dry heat application group: A chemical gel compress heated to 40 ± 2°C was applied to the selected extremity. Based on previous evidence, maintaining local heat at 40 ± 2°C for at least 5 minutes is sufficient to induce vasodilation.

Control group: Participants received routine peripheral intravenous catheterisation care without any additional intervention.

Post-intervention vein assessment: Immediately after completion of the intervention, a tourniquet was reapplied, and vein characteristics were reassessed by the nurse using the VRS and VAT. These measurements constituted the post-test assessment.

Peripheral intravenous catheterisation: Following the post-test assessment, peripheral intravenous catheterisation was performed by the chemotherapy nurse according to standard clinical practice.