Investigation of the Effect of Tangram Game on Patient Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Study

Tangram game is a skill and strategy game based on creating 100 different forms, made of 4 or 7 pieces, made of wood. 100 different shapes are obtained by using all the given pieces. These patterns should be arranged from easy to difficult by following a given guide. Tangram game is a strong stimulant as it appeals to both visual and mental skills. Strong stimulants prevent the ongoing pain stimulus at that moment. Pain transmission is interrupted and the individual is prevented from feeling pain. During and after the game, the pain level begins to decrease thanks to different stimulants. Applications that give the individual pleasure, such as Tangram, provide the secretion of substances such as enkephalin and endorphin. With these secreted substances, the body's own analgesia system is supported and the severity of pain is reduced. There are studies in the literature testing non-pharmacological interventions in the management of post-operative pain and fatigue. Some of these studies include studies evaluating the effects of massage, listening to music, cold application, distraction strategies such as playing a tangram game or giving auditory stimulation, mobilization, reflexology, chewing gum, and acupuncture. There are limited studies in the literature on the use of tangram games in the management of postoperative pain, and no studies have been found examining the effects of this intervention on pain, fatigue, and patient comfort.