Could a simple ball make shots less painful for kids?

NCT ID NCT07513272

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether squeezing a soft or spiky ball during a blood draw can reduce pain and anxiety in children aged 7 to 12. About 144 kids in a pediatric emergency setting will be randomly assigned to squeeze a soft ball, a spiky ball, or receive standard care. Their pain and anxiety levels will be measured before, during, and after the procedure.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

soft ball or spiky ball

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to make blood draws less painful and scary for children.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 144 children, so results may not apply to all kids. The effect may be small or no better than standard care.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for VENIPUNCTURE-RELATED PAIN AND ANXIETY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••