Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 12 to 18 Women only

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

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

Run by Ondokuz Mayıs University · NCT06842329 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Study typeInterventional
Ages12 Years to 18 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorOndokuz Mayıs University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Samsun)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2024
Main results expectedApril 1, 2025
Study endsApril 1, 2025
Registry record updatedFebruary 24, 2025
Trial IDNCT06842329 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe medical conditions, pregnant individuals, or those undergoing hormonal therapy 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 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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Ladik Devlet Hastanesi
    Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

  • Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Dysmenorrhea Symptoms

    This pilot study tests whether a targeted OMT session before the next period can reduce pain and other dysmenorrhea symptoms in female university community members.

    Recruiting Western University of Health Sciences · Pomona, California · NCT07849140

  • Diaphragm-Pelvic Floor Training for Young Women with Menstrual Pain

    A randomized trial tests whether Diaphragm-Pelvic Floor Synergy training can reduce menstrual pain and improve quality of life in university-aged women with primary dysmenorrhea.

    Recruiting Riphah International University · Islamabad, Punjab Province · NCT07754305

  • Samphire Guided Care for Wellbeing at Work

    This study tests a 12-week digital program with at-home neuromodulation to see if it helps women with menstrual or perimenopausal symptoms feel better at work and in daily life.

    Recruiting Samphire Group, Inc. · San Francisco, California · NCT07679074

  • Aerobic Exercise vs. Jacobson’s Relaxation for Primary Dysmenorrhea

    This study tests whether aerobic exercise or Jacobson’s progressive relaxation can help reduce pain and fatigue and improve quality of life for young women with primary dysmenorrhea.

    Recruiting Riphah International University · Okāra, Punjab Province · NCT07628452

  • Sacral release versus lumbar mobilization for period cramps in teens.

    This will test whether sacral release or lumbar mobilization works better to reduce menstrual pain, lessen symptoms, and improve quality of life in adolescent girls with primary dysmenorrhea.

    Recruiting Riphah International University · Lahore, Punjab Province · NCT07576231

  • Cartoons and Interactive Storytelling During Nebulizer Treatments for 6- to 9-Year-Olds

    This study tests whether showing cartoons or breath-synchronized interactive storytelling during nebulizer sessions helps 6–9 year olds feel less fear and more comfort compared with standard care.

    Recruiting Mersin University · Mersin · NCT07516249

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.