Can a plastic device or a skin tap make shots less scary for kids?

NCT ID NCT07190547

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

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHILDREN PAIN MANAGEMENT PRESCHOOL

Contacts and locations

Locations

Sakarya University

Sakarya, Turkey (Türkiye)

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