Effect of Touch on Pain in Preterm Infants During Procedures
Official title: The Effect of Touch Methods on Pain and Physiological Parameters in Preterm Infants During Endotracheal Aspiration
Run by Acibadem University · NCT05784857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 24 Weeks to 37 Weeks |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 81 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Acibadem University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Ataşehir) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 24, 2023 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | March 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05784857 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions such as sepsis that may interfere with the application of touch techniques will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Acibadem Health Group Ataşehir Hospital
Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zehra Kan Öntürk, Assist Prof — Acibadem University
- Study coordinator: Zehra Kan Öntürk, Assist Prof
- Email: zehra.kan@acibadem.edu.tr
- Phone: 02165004163
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Premature infants: trying PIOMI with mom to support feeding
Aims to see if PIOMI done with a mother’s presence and voice helps preterm babies feed better and feel more connected to mom.
-
SAFE early intervention for high-risk infants to support arm function
This randomized trial tests whether the SAFE early intervention helps improve upper limb function and early development in high-risk infants aged 3–12 months compared with standard Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT).
-
PIMUN to reduce low-oxygen episodes in preterm infants
We will test whether PIMUN, a soft garment that gives gentle pulsatile dorsal stimulation, can reduce low-oxygen (SpO2 <90%) episodes in preterm infants born at 24–34 weeks who have apnea of prematurity.
-
Cerclage plus progesterone versus progesterone alone for twins with a short cervix
This will test whether adding a cervical stitch (cerclage) to progesterone helps prevent early birth in people carrying twins who have a short cervix (≤30 mm).
-
Helping preterm babies learn to feed using scheduled pacifier use
This study tests whether giving preterm babies a 5-minute pacifier before each feeding versus a 30-minute pacifier at random times helps them develop feeding skills faster and leave the hospital sooner.
-
Early physiotherapy to improve motor optimality in at-risk infants
This trial will test whether starting a targeted physiotherapy program early improves motor movement scores in infants born preterm or who had serious neonatal complications.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.