Can a plastic device or a skin tap make shots less scary for kids?
NCT ID NCT07190547
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested two non-drug methods to reduce pain, fear, and anxiety in children aged 4 to 6 getting intramuscular injections in a pediatric emergency department. One method used a flat, bumpy plastic device called ShotBlocker pressed against the skin before the shot. The other was the Helfer Skin Tap Technique, a gentle tapping on the skin. The trial enrolled 120 children and measured their pain and fear right after the injection using simple face scales.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ShotBlocker device and Helfer Skin Tap Technique
What this could lead to
If effective, these simple, low-cost methods could help reduce pain and fear in young children during routine injections in emergency settings.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed trial with 120 children, so results may not apply to all settings or age groups. The methods may not work for every child.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Sakarya University
Sakarya, Turkey (Türkiye)