Therapeutic play to reduce pain and fear in children during hydrotherapy

The Effect of Therapeutic Gaming Used in Preparation for Hydrothera-py Treatment on Children's Pain, Fear and Emotional Indicators: A Ran-domized, Controlled, Treatment Study

Not applicable Interventional Eskisehir Osmangazi University · NCT05808738

This study tests if using therapeutic play can help young children feel less pain and fear during their first hydrotherapy treatment for burn injuries.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorEskisehir Osmangazi University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Eskisehir, Odunpazarı)
Trial IDNCT05808738 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the impact of therapeutic play on pain, fear, and emotional indicators in children aged 3-6 who are undergoing their first hydrotherapy treatment for burn injuries. It is a randomized controlled trial involving 64 children, divided into a control group and a therapeutic play group, to assess the effectiveness of play in alleviating distress during treatment. The study will collect data after obtaining ethics approval and parental consent, focusing on children with specific burn characteristics. The goal is to enhance the treatment experience for young patients in the Pediatric Burn Intensive Care Unit.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-6 with second or third-degree burns receiving their first hydrotherapy treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 3 or older than 6, or those with chronic diseases or requiring mechanical ventilation, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the emotional and physical comfort of children undergoing painful hydrotherapy treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of therapeutic play in hydrotherapy for burn injuries may be novel, similar interventions have shown promise in reducing pain and anxiety in pediatric patients in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The child is between 3-6 years old
* The child is receiving the first hydrotherapy treatment in the clinic.
* Presence of second and/or third degree superficial and/or deep burns
* Volunteering of the child and family to participate in the research
* The child was given analgesics half an hour before the procedure.
* No simultaneous debridement during hydrotherapy
* Burn width between 20%-70%

Exclusion Criteria:

* The child is younger than 3 years old, over 6 years old
* Presence of any other chronic disease other than burns
* The child is receiving mechanical ventilator support.
* Having a trecheostomy done to the child
* The child has been given sedative medication in the last 8 hours.
* Having a companion other than mother or father
* Hydrotherapy treatment takes less than 30 minutes, more than 45 minutes
* The child does not want to play

Where this trial is running

Eskisehir, Odunpazarı

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 Hydrotherapyhyrotherapytherapeutic gamechild
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.