Using a toy to support the incision while children walk after abdominal surgery
The Effect of Supporting the Incision Site With Toys During Mobilization on Pain and Fear Levels in Children Aged 4-10 Years Undergoing Abdominal Surgery
This trial will try placing a toy over the incision to support it while children aged 4–10 get up and walk after abdominal surgery to see if it reduces their pain and fear.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 74 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Tarsus University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mersin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07428421 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized controlled trial conducted at the Pediatric Surgery Department of Mersin University Hospital that randomized 74 children (37 toy, 37 control) who underwent abdominal surgery. The intervention group receives a toy used to support the wound area during initial postoperative mobilization, while the control group receives routine care. Pain and fear are measured by nurses before and after mobilization using the Wong–Baker Pain Scale and a fear scale. The study follows a predefined sample size calculation and pilot testing of data collection forms, with standard postoperative analgesia (single dose paracetamol) applied to participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 4–10 who had abdominal surgery under general anesthesia, received a single dose of paracetamol after surgery, completed initial mobilization, and whose caregivers consent to participate are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with prior major surgery, chronic illness, sensory or cognitive disabilities, or those who do not undergo initial mobilization may not experience benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this simple, low-cost approach could reduce postoperative pain and fear and make early mobilization more comfortable for children.
How similar studies have performed: Related pediatric studies using environmental play or support during mobilization have reported reductions in postoperative fear and pain, but applying a toy directly to support the incision is a more specific, less-studied tactic.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 4 and 10 years * Having undergone abdominal surgery * Having undergone surgery under general anesthesia * Having received a single dose of analgesic (paracetamol) after surgery * Having undergone initial mobilization after surgery * Volunteering to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Previous surgical intervention * Major surgery * Chronic illness * The child has visual, hearing, and mental disabilities
Where this trial is running
Mersin
- Tarsus University — Mersin, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Duygu SÖNMEZ DÜZKAYA, PhD
- Email: duygusduzkaya@tarsus.edu.tr
- Phone: 2200
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.