Fish tank distraction may ease needle pain for preschoolers

NCT ID NCT05252494

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Uskudar University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether watching small aquarium fish during a blood draw can reduce pain, stress, and crying in children aged 3 to 6. Half of the children will watch a fish tank while getting blood drawn; the other half will not. Researchers will measure heart rate, oxygen levels, pain scores, and stress to see if the fish help.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: animal assisted therapy (watching aquarium fish)
What this could lead to: If it works, watching fish could become a simple, drug-free way to ease pain and stress for young children during needle procedures.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early study with only 70 children. The effect may be small or not work for all kids, and results may not apply to other age groups or procedures.

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

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