Gentle pressure, less pain? acupressure may soothe kids during wire removal

NCT ID NCT07775547

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Cukurova University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Running, but no longer taking on new participants.

First seen Aug 20, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether acupressure, a technique that applies gentle pressure to specific body points, can reduce pain, fear, and anxiety in children aged 6-12 during removal of K-wires (thin metal pins used to heal elbow fractures). Children will be randomly assigned to receive either real acupressure or a placebo touch. Pain, anxiety, and fear will be measured before, during, and after the procedure to see if acupressure makes the experience less distressing.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: acupressure (a non-invasive technique applying pressure to specific points on the body)
What this could lead to: If effective, acupressure could offer a drug-free way to reduce pain and anxiety in children during minor procedures like K-wire removal.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-stage trial, and acupressure may not prove more helpful than a placebo touch. Results may not apply to all children or procedures.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

41 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Jul 2025

Expected to finish

Aug 2026

An estimate. End dates often move.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

6 to 12 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: \- Children aged 6-12 years. First-time K-wire removal following treatment for an elbow fracture. Able to communicate verbally and understand and speak Turkish. No chronic pain, psychiatric, developmental, or sensory disorders. No physical condition preventing acupressure application at the LI4 point. No opioid, narcotic analgesic, or sedative medication use within 8 hours before the procedure. Written informed consent obtained from both the child and parent after being informed about the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological or psychiatric disorders that may affect pain perception. Developmental or sensory disabilities. Inability to communicate or cooperate during the procedure. Use of opioid, narcotic analgesic, or sedative medication within 8 hours before the procedure. Requirement for analgesic or sedative medication during the procedure. K-wire removal not completed in a single session. Complications during the procedure, such as prolonged or traumatic K-wire removal. Wound, infection, dressing, fracture, inflammation, or other local contraindications at the LI4 acupressure site. Withdrawal of informed consent by the child or parent during the study

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia anxiety disorder Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PAIN PAIN MANAGEMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Van Yuzuncu Yıl University

Van, Tuşba, 65080, Turkey (Türkiye)

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