Effect of Tucking and Touch on Pain in Newborns

Assistant Clinical Nurse Manager Working in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Not applicable Interventional Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University · NCT06415240

This study is testing if gentle holding and touch can help reduce pain in newborns during medical procedures like blood tests.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment159 (estimated)
Ages1 Day to 28 Days
SexAll
SponsorShifa Tameer-e-Millat University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Islamabad and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06415240 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of two non-pharmacological interventions, facilitated tucking and gentle human touch, on procedural pain experienced by neonates undergoing arterial prick procedures. The study employs a randomized control design, utilizing the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale for pain assessment. Data collection involves demographic recording and video analysis for objective pain scoring by an independent research assistant. The aim is to enhance pain management strategies for vulnerable neonate populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include term and preterm neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit who are undergoing their first arterial prick.

Not a fit: Patients with documented birth asphyxia, congenital anomalies, neurological diagnoses, or those who are extremely premature may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-drug methods to alleviate procedural pain in neonates.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with non-pharmacological pain management techniques in neonates, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Both term and preterm neonates.
2. APGAR scores of a minimum of 6 at one minute and 8 at 5 minutes
3. Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
4. Undergoing arterial prick for the first time.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Documented birth asphyxia
2. Congenital anomalies
3. Neurological diagnosis,
4. ventilated with paralysis
5. Extremely premature newborns (Gestational age \< 28 weeks)

Where this trial is running

Islamabad and 1 other locations

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 Non Pharmacological Pain ManagementNeonatesProcedural Pain
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.