Riddle-based distraction during casting in children
Official title: The Effect of a Riddle-Based Distraction Technique on Pain, Fear, and Anxiety During Cast Application in Children: A Randomized Study
Run by Artvin Coruh University · NCT07845136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a riddle-based distraction technique can reduce pain, fear, and anxiety in kids aged 6–12 during cast application.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Artvin Coruh University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kilis, Central) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07845136 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 6–12 undergoing cast application for upper or lower extremity injuries, who are conscious, can communicate in Turkish, and have no prior exposure to similar distraction techniques.
✕Probably not a fit
Children who cannot participate in riddles due to sensory impairments, cognitive conditions, language barriers, or those with severe trauma requiring emergency interventions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this randomized study, 38 children requiring cast placement are assigned to either a riddle-based distraction intervention or a standard care control. Pain is measured with the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale, fear with the Child Fear Scale, and anxiety with the STAIC before and during/after the procedure. Data on demographics and clinical factors are collected to characterize responses. The setting is the Emergency Department Green Zone Cast Room, and participants must be Turkish-speaking, able to communicate, and suitable for non-pharmacological distraction. The goal is to see if riddles help kids cope better during cast application for upper or lower extremity injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a simple, non-drug method to lessen pain, fear, and anxiety during cast needling in pediatric patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pediatric distraction studies show potential benefits, but use of riddle-based distraction for casting is novel in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 6 and 12 years of age * Scheduled for cast application (upper or lower extremity) * Conscious and able to communicate * Able to understand and speak Turkish * Having no auditory or cognitive impairments * Having no prior exposure to a similar non-pharmacological distraction intervention * Willingness of both the child and parent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Being under the influence of analgesic, sedative, or anxiolytic medication * Having severe trauma or an unstable clinical condition requiring emergency intervention * Presence of developmental delay, neurological disease, or conditions affecting communication * Inability to participate in riddles due to hearing or visual impairment * Having prior cast experience on the same extremity * Inability to cooperate during the research process
Where it's running
-
Kilis Prof. Dr. Alaeddin Yavaşca State Hospital
Kilis, Central, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gamze AKAY, 1 — Artvin Coruh University
- Study coordinator: Gamze AKAY, 1
- Email: gamzeakay_25@artvin.edu.tr
- Phone: 05314536661
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Casting without prior reduction versus closed reduction for displaced wrist (distal radius) fractures in people 65 and older
This trial will test whether simply putting a cast on displaced wrist fractures in people 65 and older works as well as doing a closed reduction before casting by measuring wrist pain and function at 12 months.
-
Long-term follow-up of patients with Proximal Humerus Fracture Plates
This study is tracking patients who have had surgery using a special plate for shoulder fractures to see how well it works and if there are any long-term problems over the next 10 years.
-
Mandala coloring-based nursing activity to help kids feel better about nurses and reduce worry
Kids aged 8–11 in the hospital try a daily mandala coloring activity led by nurses to see if it eases anxiety and improves how they view nursing care.
-
Mandala Coloring for Pain, Fatigue, and Sleep in Fibromyalgia
This study tests whether doing mandala coloring in addition to usual care can help reduce pain, fatigue, and sleep problems in adults with fibromyalgia.
-
Box breathing may help fibromyalgia symptoms
Researchers are testing whether a simple box breathing routine done twice daily for 30 days can improve sleep, pain, and comfort for adults with fibromyalgia.
-
Quran recital for reducing fatigue and improving mental well-being in people with multiple sclerosis
This project will try whether listening to recorded Quran reduces fatigue and improves mental well-being in adults with multiple sclerosis.
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.