Effects of Cold and Vibration on Venipuncture Pain Management in Children Aged 2-7 Years Old: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background: The pain resulting from venipuncture is one of the primary sources of stress during childhood and can have adverse effects on children. The Buzzy device can play an important role in alleviating the pain of venipuncture in children.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the independent and combined effects of cold and vibration in reducing venipuncture pain and resistance behavior in children aged 2-7 years.

Methods: A total of 130 children who underwent venipuncture were randomly assigned to 4 groups: 32 in the control group, 30 in the external cold group, 37 in the vibration group, and 31 in the cold combined with vibration group. The cold, vibration, and cold combined with vibration interventions used the Buzzy device. Nurses used the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Pain Behavior Scale and the Children's Behavior Scale to assess pain and resistance behaviors before and during the venipuncture.

Results: Compared with the control group, the cold group, vibration group, and cold combined with vibration group experienced milder pain and demonstrated weaker resistance behavior (P<.05). Pairwise comparison results showed that the combination group was superior to the vibration group (P<.05).

Conclusions: External cold and vibration are effective in reducing procedural pain and improving compliance in children aged 2-7 years undergoing venipuncture. The cold combined with vibration has a synergistic effect, and the effect is better than vibration only.