Effect of Helfer Skin Tap and Vibration on Pain and Fear in Children During Intramuscular Injection

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Pain, Fear

In brief

Intramuscular injection is one of the most common invasive procedures in childhood and is frequently associated with pain and fear. These negative experiences may affect children's attitudes toward healthcare and complicate nursing care. Therefore, using non-pharmacological methods is essential for promoting child-friendly services. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the Helfer Skin Tap and vibration techniques on pain and fear levels in children aged 5-10 years during intramuscular injections. The study is designed as a parallel, three-arm randomized controlled trial conducted in the Pediatric Emergency Clinic of Ege University Hospital. Participants will be allocated by simple randomization to Helfer Skin Tap, vibration, or standard care. Sample size was calculated with G\*Power 3.1 using a repeated-measures within-between interaction model with two time points (T0-T1), α=0.05, and power=0.80. Assuming a medium effect size (f=0.25) based on previous studies, at least 159 children are required. Allowing for 15% attrition, the final sample will include 186 participants (62 per group). Data will be collected using a Child Information Form including sociodemographic characteristics and prior injection experiences. A Procedure Record Form will document randomization, assigned group, medication, dose, injection site, duration, child's position, and parental presence. Pain and fear will be assessed immediately before (T0) and after (T1) the injection. Pain will be measured with the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (0-10) and fear with the Children's Fear Scale (0-4). Ratings will be obtained independently from the child, parent, and observing nurse. The procedure will be video-recorded to enable objective evaluation of behavioral responses. Recordings will be scored by an independent blinded expert using standardized criteria. Videos will be used only for research purposes, with identifying features concealed, stored in coded format, and destroyed after study completion.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07468227

Run by

Ege University

People needed

186

Starts

2026-05-01

Expected to finish

2027-05-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-03-12

Who can join

Age: 5 and older, up to 12. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• The child must be in the 5-10 age group
• Intramuscular injection must be performed,
• The child must be able to communicate in Turkish,
• Verbal/written consent must be obtained from the parents/legal guardians

You may not qualify if…

• Known neurological disorders,
• Inability to communicate cognitively,
• Chronic pain syndrome
• Acute and life-threatening clinical condition

Where it is running

• Ege University Childrens Hospital — Izmir, Turkey (Türkiye)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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