Clowning around before surgery: a fun way to ease Kids' fears?

NCT ID NCT07525388

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Ataturk University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study tests whether combining a therapeutic clown with progressive relaxation exercises can reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in children aged 6-10 before circumcision surgery. 162 children will be split into three groups: one does relaxation exercises with a clown, one with a nurse, and one gets standard care. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety, fear, heart rate, and blood pressure.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: therapeutic clown and progressive relaxation exercises
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help children feel calmer and less scared before surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with no blinding, so results may be influenced by expectation. The effect may not be large or generalizable to other hospitals or age groups.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY FEAR RELAXATION EXERCISE SURGERY THERAPEUTIC CLOWN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Paediatric Surgery Clinic, Atatürk University Health Research and Training Hospital
RECRUITING

Erzurum, 25240, Turkey (Türkiye)

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