The effects of a light and musicial toy on pain, anxiety, and physiological parameters during venous blood sampling in children aged 3-6 years: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a light-up toy with music played during venous blood sampling on pain, anxiety, and physiological parameters in children aged 3-6 years.

METHODS

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial in parallel groups. It included children aged 3-6 years (n = 56) who visited the blood collection clinic of the Children's Hospital at a university hospital in Ankara between July 2024-April 2025. Children in the intervention group (n = 28) were given light and music toys before, during the procedure, while children in the control group (n = 28) underwent the hospital's routine blood collection procedure. The following forms were used to collect data: "Child and Parent Identification Form," "Child Emotional Expression Assessment Scale," "Face, Leg Mobility, Activity, Crying, Consolability Scale" and "Physiological Parameters Form" were used in data collection. Data evaluation in the study, video recordings were made during the procedure, and the videos were evaluated by two independent observers using scales.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention group and the control group in terms of pain and anxiety levels before and during the procedure (p > 0.05). However, when physiological parameters were examined, there was a significant difference in heart rate between the two groups during the procedure, with heart rate being lower in the intervention group(p < 0.05). Oxygen saturation remained stable during the procedure in the intervention group and did not show a significant decrease, whereas it decreased significantly in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The study found that light and music toys affect physiological conditions such as heart rate and oxygen saturation but have limited effects on psychological responses such as pain and anxiety.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION: The light and music toy can be used in clinics and any environment where venous blood sampling is performed to maintain and improve physiological parameters.