Using distraction techniques to reduce pain during injections in adolescents with menstrual pain

"The Effectiveness of Helfer Skin Tap Technique and ShotBlocker in Reducing Pain Severity During Intramuscular Injections in Adolescent Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial"

Not applicable Interventional Ondokuz Mayıs University · NCT06842329

This study tests if distraction techniques like the Helfer Skin Tap Technique and ShotBlocker can help reduce pain during injections for teenagers who have menstrual pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexFemale
SponsorOndokuz Mayıs University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Samsun)
Trial IDNCT06842329 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of non-pharmacological techniques, specifically the Helfer Skin Tap Technique (HSTT) and ShotBlocker, in managing dysmenorrhea pain during intramuscular injections in adolescents. It is a randomized controlled trial comparing these techniques against standard injection procedures. Participants aged 12-18 who present with menstrual pain will be monitored to assess the impact on pain levels and overall well-being. The goal is to improve pain management strategies for adolescents experiencing dysmenorrhea.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescent girls aged 12-18 who experience dysmenorrhea and present to the emergency department.

Not a fit: Patients with severe medical conditions, pregnant individuals, or those undergoing hormonal therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-medication-based pain management options for adolescents suffering from menstrual pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using non-pharmacological techniques for pain management, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
nclusion Criteria:

* Adolescents aged 12-18 years.
* Experience of dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) during at least one menstrual cycle.
* Adolescents presenting to the emergency department with dysmenorrhea.
* Written informed consent from participants or their legal guardians.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with severe cardiovascular, neurological, or other serious medical conditions.
* Pregnant individuals.
* Individuals undergoing regular hormonal therapy or using birth control methods.
* Individuals with significant psychological or physiological conditions related to pain sensitivity (e.g., hyperalgesia).
* Individuals receiving other pharmacological treatments or pain management medications during the study.

Where this trial is running

Samsun

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 DysmenorrheaPainDistraction Methodshelfer skin tapshotblockerpain management
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.