Effect of Touch on Pain in Preterm Infants During Procedures

The Effect of Touch Methods on Pain and Physiological Parameters in Preterm Infants During Endotracheal Aspiration

Not applicable Interventional Acibadem University · NCT05784857

This study tests if using different gentle touch methods can help reduce pain for preterm infants during a medical procedure called endotracheal aspiration.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment81 (estimated)
Ages24 Weeks to 37 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorAcibadem University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Ataşehir)
Trial IDNCT05784857 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how different touch methods, specifically Yakson and Gentle Human Touch, impact pain and physiological parameters in preterm infants undergoing endotracheal aspiration. It is designed as a prospective, quasi-experimental study where each infant will experience three aspiration procedures: one without intervention and two with different touch methods applied. The study aims to evaluate the infants' pain scores and physiological responses before, during, and immediately after the aspiration procedures. The Yakson touch method, rooted in traditional Korean culture, involves a compassionate and gentle approach to stimulate the infant's sense of touch.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are preterm infants under 38 weeks gestational age who require mechanical ventilation and do not have congenital anomalies or comorbid diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as sepsis that may interfere with the application of touch techniques will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management techniques for preterm infants during invasive procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of Yakson touch in this context may be novel, similar studies have shown that touch can have calming and analgesic effects in neonatal care.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The gestational week of the infant is less than 38
* Absence of congenital anomaly
* Mechanical ventilator support
* Absence of comorbid disease
* Not having undergone surgery
* No analgesic medication has been administered in the last hour

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants with diseases such as sepsis that interfere with the application of touch technique

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Ataşehir

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PretermPainInfant ALLtouchpreterm infantpain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.