Clinical Research Directory

Two Different Therapeutic Interventions Applied During Blood Sampling in Children

This research is a three-group, randomized controlled experimental study designed to determine the effect of two different therapeutic interventions applied during blood sampling on pain, anxiety, and fear levels in children aged 5-7 years. Children participating in the study will be randomly divided into three groups: 1. Group (Experiment 1): Distraction method using betta fish observation 2. Group (Experiment 2): Distraction method using hand puppets 3. Group (Control): Routine clinical practice (without any therapeutic intervention) Before, during, and after blood sampling, children's pain level (FLACC scale), fear level (child fear scale), and anxiety level (child anxiety scale) will be evaluated.

The Effect of a Stress Ball Applied Before Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery

This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of a stress ball applied before retrograde intrarenal surgery on patients' anxiety levels, surgical fear, and hemodynamic parameters.

Intracranial Neurophysiological Signatures of Fear and Anxiety in Humans

Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affect a large number of individuals with a significant portion of patients failing to improve with current treatments. The purpose of this study is to understand the brain mechanisms that produce fear and anxiety in humans. To accomplish this goal, we will measure the brain activity along with the heart rate and skin perspiration of patients while they are completing tasks on a computer. Some of the tasks will also use a virtual reality headset and transport the patient in a video game-like environment. These tasks will expose the participants to various levels of fear-provoking images. Participants with responsive neurostimulation (RNS) implants will be enrolled under Pro00117931 at Duke, but their results for fear and anxiety tasks will be reported under NCT05120635.

The Effect of Animated Movies and Storybooks on Fear and Anxiety Levels in Children With Type 1 Diabetes

This study aims to evaluate the effects of animated films and story books on the fear and anxiety levels of children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

The Effect of Using Virtual Reality Glasses and Gaming Cards on Fear, Anxiety, and Physiological Parameters in Children Administered Inhaler Medication

This study aims to evaluate the effects of using virtual reality headsets and play cards during the administration of inhaler medication in pediatric patients. The primary goal is to determine how these distraction methods influence children's fear, anxiety levels, and physiological parameters (such as heart rate and oxygen saturation). The study population consists of pediatric patients aged between 4 and 6 years. Data collection for the targeted sample size of 150 children commenced in September, and the recruitment process is currently ongoing.Children receiving inhaler treatments often experience fear and anxiety, which can negatively affect their treatment compliance and vital signs. In this study, participants are divided into different groups to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality headsets and traditional play cards as distraction tools.

Acupressure and Hand Massage for Reducing Anxiety During Dental Local Anesthetic Injections in Children

This study aims to compare the effects of acupressure ,hand massage , and routine behavioral management on anxiety in children undergoing dental local anesthetic injections . Anxiety will be evaluated using Venham Picture Test ( VPT ) and heart rate measurements at specified time points before , during and after the injection procedure .

The Effect of Bubble Machine and Cartoon on Pain and Fear

Aim: This study aimed to compare the effects of cartoon-based audiovisual distraction and bubble-machine-based visual distraction on pain and fear during venipuncture in preschool children. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 123 children aged 3-6 years who underwent venipuncture between February and April 2026. Participants were randomly assigned to a cartoon-based audiovisual distraction group (n = 41), a bubble-machine-based visual distraction group (n = 41), or a control group (n = 41). Children in the cartoon group watched Oggy Oggy on a tablet, while those in the bubble-machine group were exposed to bubbles generated by an automated bubble machine during venipuncture. The control group received routine care. Pain and fear were assessed by the children, parents, and nurse using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and Children's Fear Scale.

The Effect of Multisensory Stimulation During Venipuncture on Pain, Anxiety, and Fear in Children

Venipuncture is one of the most common and distressing needle-related procedures for children, often causing significant pain, fear, and anxiety. To minimize this procedural distress, effective non-pharmacological interventions are essential in pediatric nursing care.

THE EFFECT OF 'RHYTHMİC SKİN TAPPİNG' AND INTERNAL VİBRATİON APPLİED PROXİMAL TO THE PROCEDURE SİTE ON PAİN AND FEAR PERCEPTİON DURİNG PEDİATRİC PERİPHERAL VENİPUNCTURE

What is this study about, in short? This study looks at simple, no-cost ways to reduce the pain and fear that children aged 6-12 feel when they have blood drawn at the hospital. Two methods are being tested: * A nurse lightly and rhythmically tapping with their fingertips just above the spot where the needle will go ("rhythmic skin tapping"). * The child making an "mmmm" humming sound while the blood is being drawn ("internal vibration" or "humming"). These methods need no medicine and no device, so they can be used easily in any hospital. The study aims to find out whether these two methods really reduce pain and fear, by comparing them with a group that receives no extra method. Why is this study being done? Drawing blood is one of the most common painful procedures in children. Fear of needles is very common and can even lead a person to avoid health care later in life. So it matters to make the blood-draw experience easier for children. Some methods used to reduce pain have practical limits: * Numbing creams must be applied 30-60 minutes before the procedure; they are not practical in urgent situations and add cost. * Special devices that give cold and vibration can work, but they can be expensive, are not always available, and need care for hygiene. For these reasons, there is a need for simple methods that cost nothing, need no device, and can be applied easily in any setting. This study tests exactly that. How do the methods work? (Simple science) Both methods rest on an idea called the "Gate Control Theory": in our body, the sense of touch and vibration competes with the sense of pain on the way to the brain. Gentle touch or mild vibration can act like a "gate" that partly blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain. * Rhythmic skin tapping: Gentle, rhythmic tapping with the fingers may help "close the gate," so the pain is felt less. * Internal vibration (humming): The "mmmm" sound creates a mild vibration in the body. It can also stimulate the calming part of the nervous system, which may lower the heart rate and stress. Taking an active part in the procedure also gives the child a sense of control. Who can take part in the study? Can take part: * Children aged 6-12 years * Children who will have a blood draw * Children whose parent has given written permission and who themselves agree verbally * Children who can understand and speak Turkish * Children whose cognitive development is appropriate for their age * Children who do not have an ongoing (chronic) pain condition Cannot take part, or will be withdrawn: * Children who do not want to take part, or wish to withdraw at any stage * Children who develop a complication (an unexpected medical problem) during the procedure * Children who have used a painkiller within the last 24 hours * Children who have already taken part in this study before * Children whose skin is broken at the site where the needle will go * Children who have a neurological or psychiatric diagnosis What will happen if my child takes part? The blood draw will happen anyway because it is medically needed. The study only adds the method used during the draw and a short measurement afterward. Step by step: * Your child is placed by computer, at random (like drawing lots), into one of three groups. No one can choose the group in advance; this is called "randomization" and it keeps the comparison fair. * The blood draw is done as usual. The only difference is the method used, depending on your child's group. * Right after the procedure, the child is shown two short picture scales: one for pain, with faces ranging from smiling to crying (0-10), and one for fear, also made of faces (0-4). * A short form collects details such as age, sex, and any previous blood-draw experience. * No extra needle, medicine, or laboratory test is done beyond the routine blood draw. The three groups are: Group What is done in this group? 1. Rhythmic skin tapping Gentle, rhythmic tapping with the fingertips just above the needle site. 2. Internal vibration (humming) The child is asked to make an "mmmm" humming sound during the blood draw. 3. Control group The blood draw is done as usual, with no extra method. This group is the comparison point used to measure the effect of the other two methods. Where and when will the study take place? * Place: Kepez State Hospital Blood Collection Outpatient Clinic (Antalya, Türkiye). * Data collection period: June 2026 - June 2027. The total study duration is about 12 months. * Planned number of participants: 126 children in total (42 in each group). This number was set in advance by a statistical calculation so the results would be reliable. Taking part is completely voluntary * Your child does not have to take part. Even if you agree, you may withdraw at any time without giving a reason. * Not taking part, or withdrawing, will not affect the health care your child receives in any way. * Your child may also say they do not want the method; the child's decision is

Distraction Methods for Reducing Pain and Fear During Blood Draw in Children

Blood draw is a common invasive procedure that can cause pain and fear in children. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of pinwheel blowing, 3D hologram viewing, and sugar-free gum chewing on pain and fear during blood draw among children aged 5-10 years. Parental satisfaction with the care provided during the procedure will also be evaluated. A total of 164 children will be assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to the pinwheel blowing, 3D hologram viewing, gum chewing, or control group using block randomization stratified by age and sex. The interventions will begin one minute before the blood draw and continue until the procedure is completed. Children in the control group will receive the routine blood draw procedure without any additional nonpharmacological intervention. Immediately after the blood draw, the child's pain and fear during the procedure will be independently evaluated by the child, the accompanying parent, and an independent observer nurse. Parental satisfaction will also be assessed after the procedure.

Robotic and Aquarium Fish for Reducing Pain, Fear, and Anxiety in Children

This study aims to find out whether robotic fish and aquarium fish can help reduce pain, fear, and anxiety in children during painful medical procedures. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does watching robotic fish during a painful procedure reduce children's pain, fear, and anxiety? Does watching aquarium fish during a painful procedure reduce children's pain, fear, and anxiety? Are there differences in pain, fear, and anxiety between children receiving these interventions? During the painful procedure, children in the intervention groups will watch either robotic fish or aquarium fish as a distraction. Children's pain, fear, and anxiety levels will be assessed using age-appropriate measurement tools. Researchers will compare the results between the study groups to determine whether robotic fish or aquarium fish can help children feel more comfortable during painful medical procedures. The findings may provide information about simple, non-drug methods that nurses and other health care providers can use to help reduce children's negative experiences during painful procedures.

Using a Stress Ball on Fear, Anxiety, Pain, and Satisfaction During Allergy Testing

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate and compare the effects of watching cartoons and using a stress ball on levels of fear, anxiety, pain, and satisfaction among 90 children aged 4-10 undergoing skin prick testing at the Pediatric Allergy Outpatient Clinic of Çukurova University Balcalı Hospital. Participants will be randomly allocated via a computer algorithm into three equal groups ($n = 30$ each): a cartoon-watching intervention group, a stress ball intervention group, and a control group receiving routine pediatric care. Data will be gathered using a Demographic Information Form, the Children's Fear Scale, the Children's Anxiety Scale-State, the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, and a Child Satisfaction Form at three time points-2 minutes prior to the test, immediately after the procedure, and at the 15th-minute post-test evaluation-through child, parent, and observer nurse assessments.

Social Support and Enhanced Fear Extinction

University of California, Los Angeles researchers will recruit healthy participants and anxious participants (those diagnosed with social anxiety disorder) age 18-55 years old to participate in a study examining whether the ability of social support figure reminders to enhance the extinction of fear in healthy participants extends to those with anxiety disorders. After being recruited from the UCLA community (healthy participants, n = 50) or referred by treatment providers at the Anxiety and Depression Research Center at UCLA (anxious participants, n = 50) and undergoing a telephone screening and in-person screening, 100 participants will be enrolled in the study, with an expected recruited 150 to reach this number. During the experiment, all participants will undergo the same procedures: undergoing a fear extinction procedure in which threatening cues--cues that predict electric shock--will be paired with either an image of a social support figure (provided by participants) or an image of a smiling stranger. These pairings will be presented repeatedly in the absence of shock in order for fear extinction to occur. Participants will return for a follow-up test to determine if fear extinction was successful.

Social Support and Reduced Fear Acquisition

University of California, Los Angeles researchers will recruit healthy participants and anxious participants (those diagnosed with social anxiety disorder) age 18-55 years old to participate in a study examining whether the ability of social support figure reminders to prevent the acquisition of fear in healthy participants extends to those with anxiety disorders. After being recruited from the UCLA community (healthy participants, n = 50) or referred by treatment providers at the Anxiety and Depression Research Center at UCLA (anxious participants, n =50) and undergoing a telephone screening and in-person screening, 100 participants will be enrolled in the study. During the experiment, all participants will undergo the same procedures: undergoing fear acquisition procedures--the repeated pairing of a neutral image with a mild electric shock that ultimately leads to the association of threat of shock with the image--in the presence of an image of a social support figure (provided by participants) and an image of a smiling stranger.

Effect of Short Film Video and Video-Based Education on Fear, Pain, and Satisfaction of Children Undergoing Day Surgery

It is aimed to investigate the effect of introducing the operating room environment with an informative video to pediatric patients aged 7-12 in the preoperative period in day surgery on pain, fear, and patient and parent satisfaction. In line with this purpose, an answer was sought to the question "How did the different education programs given to children who will undergo day surgery have an effect on fear, pain and satisfaction?" It will be conducted in a single center, parallel group, randomized controlled experimental design. The research will be carried out between December 2022 and October 2023 and it is planned to continue for 12 months. The population of the research will be children between the ages of 7-12 who will undergo a day surgery at Tarsus State Hospital, and the sample will be 90 children who meet the criteria for inclusion in the research. Considering that there may be case losses, a total of 90 children (1st experimental group \[watched video training\]:30 children, 2nd experimental group \[provided planned training\]: 30 children, control group: 30 children) will be included in the sample group. In the collection of research data; Introductory Information Form, Numerical Pain Scale, Child Fear Scale, Vital Signs Follow-up Form (Appendix 4) will be used. The application will be started after the approval of the ethics committee and the written permission of the institution for the research. Statistical package program (SPSS 20) will be used in the analysis of the research data.

Effect of Acupressure on Anxiety, Embarrassment, and Procedure-Related Fear Undergoing Urodynamic

The study was planned as a randomized controlled experimental design to determine the effect of acupressure on anxiety, embarrassment, and procedure-related fear in patients undergoing urodynamic testing. Sample size calculation, an effect size of 0.8, which is considered a large effect, was taken as a reference. With 90% power (1-α, two-tailed), the minimum required sample size was calculated using the G\*Power (version 3.1) program as 68 participants, with 34 individuals in each group (intervention group = 34; control group = 34). A post hoc power analysis will also be conducted. Data will be collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Embarrassment Assessment Scale, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Procedure-Related Fear Scale. Individuals included in the sample will be informed about the study and the procedures to be followed, and their verbal and written informed consent will be obtained. All patients will complete the Sociodemographic Information Form, the Embarrassment Assessment Scale, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Procedure-Related Fear Scale. After the forms are completed and recorded, participants will be assigned to either the intervention or control group according to the randomization schedule. In the intervention group, acupressure will be performed by a certified researcher (GB) who has completed acupressure training. The acupressure points to be used include Shen Men (HT7), located in the small depression between the pisiform and ulna bones on the transverse wrist crease; EX-NH3, located at the midpoint between the eyebrows on the midline of the forehead; and Hegu (LI4), located in the web space between the thumb and index finger. These points will be marked with an acetate pen by the certified researcher (GB) in patients assigned to the intervention group, and the application will be carried out by the same researcher. No intervention will be applied to patients in the control group, and they will receive routine care only. All patients in both the intervention and control groups will complete the Embarrassment Assessment Scale, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Procedure-Related Fear Scale. After completion of the acupressure application, the urodynamic procedure will be performed. Immediately after the procedure, patients in both groups will again complete the Embarrassment Assessment Scale, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Procedure-Related Fear Scale.

Effects of Virtual Reality and Tablet Distraction During IV Cannulation in Children

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality and tablet-based audiovisual distraction on pain, anxiety, and fear in children undergoing intravenous cannulation in a pediatric emergency department. Children aged 7 to 12 years were randomly assigned to three groups: virtual reality, tablet, and control. During intravenous cannulation, children in the virtual reality group watched an entertaining video using a virtual reality headset, while children in the tablet group watched the same video on a tablet. Children in the control group received routine care without an audiovisual distraction intervention. Pain, anxiety, and fear were assessed using age-appropriate validated scales. The study compared the effects of the two distraction methods with routine care and with each other.

The Effect of Distraction Methods Used During Inhalation Therapy on Children's Fear and Anxiety: : Randomize Controlled Study

It was aimed to examine the effects of distraction methods used during inhalation therapy on children's fear and anxiety. Hypothesis: Hypothesis 0 (H0): There is no difference between the fear and anxiety levels of children who received normal nebulizer + mask + distraction techniques and toy type nebulizer + toy mask during inhaler treatment and the children in the control group. Hypothesis 1 (H1): The fear and anxiety levels of children who received normal nebulizer + mask + distraction techniques during inhaler treatment are lower than the children in the control group. Hypothesis 2 (H2): The fear and anxiety levels of children who were applied a toy type nebulizer + toy mask during inhaler treatment are lower than the children in the control group. Hypothesis 3 (H3): The fear and anxiety levels of children who were treated with a toy type nebulizer + toy mask during inhaler treatment were lower than those of children who were treated with a normal nebulizer + mask + distraction techniques.

Hologram Burn Dressing on Pain, Anxiety, Fear, Patient Satisfaction, and Physiological Parameters

Burn injuries are a significant global health problem, leading to serious physical, psychological, and social challenges for affected individuals. The literature emphasizes that dressing changes are among the most painful and anxiety-provoking procedures, negatively impacting treatment adherence and patient well-being. Although pharmacological methods are used to alleviate pain and anxiety, they are often insufficient due to potential side effects and addiction risks. In recent years, advancements in digital technologies-particularly virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and hologram applications-have offered promising distraction-based approaches. Hologram technology, through three-dimensional and interactive visuals, can divert the patient's attention from traumatic stimuli, thereby reducing pain, anxiety, and fear in an innovative way. However, there is limited scientific evidence regarding the use of hologram applications during burn dressing changes. This study aims to examine the effects of hologram applications on pain, anxiety, fear, patient satisfaction, and physiological parameters during burn dressing procedures. The research will be conducted at Erzurum City Hospital Burn Center, with a total of 70 patients assigned to experimental and control groups using simple randomization. Data collection tools will include the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Burn Specific Pain Anxiety Scale, satisfaction and fear VAS assessments, and physiological parameter recording forms. The study will be carried out between November 2025 and May 2026. The results are expected to provide evidence-based insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of hologram technology as a non-pharmacological, innovative intervention in burn care.

Effects of Education and Exercise on Pain, Psychosocial Factors, and Upper Limb Function in Non-specific Neck Pain.

Pain neuroscience education is currently one of the techniques being explored in physiotherapy for pain management. The benefits of this technique are gradually becoming evident in various published studies. So far, it has been widely studied for its short-term effects, but the education provided has typically been generic, not focused on exercise. However, it is suggested that this technique should be combined with exercise to achieve the expected outcomes. Therefore, pain education should be tailored to the specific physical activities the subject will perform to maximise its effectiveness. The primary aim of this study is to analyse the outcome of combining exercise with tailored pain neuroscience education on aspects such as pain, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, exercise conceptualization, and upper limb function in subjects with neck pain. The secondary aim is to evaluate the relationship between kinesiophobia and catastrophizing and their impact on the results of various upper limb performance tests. Finally, the effects of therapeutic exercise alone will be compared with those of therapeutic exercise combined with pain neuroscience education, focusing on pain, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, and exercise conceptualization. A double-blind, randomised clinical trial has been designed, in which three intervention protocols will be applied to 81 subjects with non-specific neck pain: education with exercise, exercise alone, and placebo alone. Subjects with non-specific neck pain who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled. Demographic characteristics of the subjects, as well as pain, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, and upper limb performance test scores, will be assessed. This study aims to explore the potential relevance of a pain neuroscience education session prior to therapeutic exercise, as well as to influence the clinical recommendations made by clinicians during treatment.

Virtual Reality-Based 360° Clinic Walkthrough for Reducing Examination Anxiety in Preschool Children

This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial investigates whether a short, 360° virtual reality (VR) pre-examination walkthrough can reduce anxiety, behavioral distress, and physiological stress responses in preschool children undergoing routine outpatient physical examination. A total of 100 children aged 3-5.5 years were randomized to either a VR group, which viewed a 3-minute real-clinic 360° video via VR goggles, or a control group, which experienced routine waiting only. Primary outcome measures include the Face-Legs-Activity-Cry-Consolability (FLACC) score and crying duration during examination. Secondary outcomes include heart and respiratory rate changes, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBS) scores, parent satisfaction, and physician-rated examination ease. The study aims to determine whether immersive, procedure-specific VR preparation can improve examination experience and cooperation while reducing stress for both children and caregivers.

Addressing Anxiety in 2-3-Year-Olds: A Pilot Intervention Study

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and efficacy of intervening with 2-year-old children with elevated temperamental Fear and/or Shyness or 3-year-old children with elevated anxiety and their parents, using a parent-child Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) protocol to reduce anxiety disorders and maintain reduced anxiety at one-year follow-up. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, study visits and treatment sessions were conducted in office. Now all visits and treatment sessions are conducted remotely.

The Effect of Progressive Relaxation Exercises With Therapeutic Clown

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of progressive relaxation exercises, performed with the assistance of a therapeutic clown during the pre-operative period, on fear, anxiety and physiological parameters in children. This randomised controlled trial included children aged 6-10 years undergoing circumcision surgery. The children were randomised into three groups: a progressive relaxation exercise group led by a therapeutic clown, a progressive relaxation group led by a nurse, and a control group. Fear, anxiety and physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) were assessed before and after the procedure.

The Effect of Affirmation During Non-Stress Test on Pain, Anxiety, Fear, and Stress

This study will examine whether positive affirmations used during the Non-Stress Test (NST) can help reduce pain, anxiety, fear, and stress in pregnant women. The NST is a routine test used during pregnancy to assess fetal well-being. In this randomized controlled study, 90 pregnant women will participate. Some participants will repeat affirmation statements during the NST, while others will receive standard care. Pain, anxiety, fear, and stress levels will be measured before and after the NST. The goal of the study is to understand whether affirmations can make the NST experience more comfortable for pregnant women.