Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 5 to 15

Evaluating a relaxation technique to manage anxiety in children before surgery

Official title: Mixed-method Research Protocol: Evaluation of a Relaxation Technique for Anxiety Management in Pre-surgical Pediatric Patients

Run by Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS · NCT06846944 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests a breathing and relaxation technique to see if it can help children aged 5 to 15 feel less anxious before minor surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages5 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorMeyer Children's Hospital IRCCS
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Florence, Fi)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 31, 2024
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2025
Study endsMarch 31, 2025
Registry record updatedFebruary 26, 2025
Trial IDNCT06846944 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 5 to 15 years who are scheduled for minor surgical procedures and can communicate in Italian.

Probably not a fit

Patients with cognitive impairments or those who do not meet the age or language criteria may 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 aims to assess the effectiveness of a breathing and relaxation intervention to reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients aged 5 to 15 years undergoing minor surgical procedures. The approach focuses on nonpharmacological techniques, which have shown promise in alleviating anxiety without the side effects associated with medication. By employing methods such as breathing exercises, the study seeks to improve the overall surgical experience for children and potentially reduce postoperative complications related to anxiety.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce anxiety in pediatric patients, leading to better surgical outcomes and fewer side effects from postoperative medications.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that nonpharmacological techniques, including distraction and relaxation methods, can effectively reduce anxiety in pediatric populations, suggesting a positive outlook for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 5 years and 15 years;
* Admission for minor surgical conditions of low intensity, such as inguinal hernia, phimosis, sebaceous cysts, vascular malformations, skin lesions, ankyloglossus, afferent to the unified pediatric surgery day-surgery service of AOU Meyer;
* Knowledge of the Italian language and ability to express oneself;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of cognitive impairment reported in history

Where it's running

  • Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Firenze
    Florence, Fi, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.