Vibration therapy during needle procedures improves pain sensitivity while worsening pain threshold: A randomized,crossover study of healthy volunteers

Abstract

Introduction:

Despite advancements in pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, pain and anxiety during needle-related procedures affect most patients. Through activation of large diameter nerve fibers, vibration therapy has been proposed to alleviate pain by minimizing perception of concomitant painful stimuli. This study investigated the effectiveness of a Bluetooth-enabled haptic device (BHD) in reducing pain sensitivity and improving patient satisfaction during needle procedures. Given the frequency of vascular access procedures, from IV catheter placements to phlebotomy, improving patient experience during these encounters is essential. Non-pharmacologic tools like the BHD may enhance vascular access by improving patient cooperation and reducing procedure-related distress.

Methods:

This was a prospective crossover study conducted at an academic hospital in Northern California. Participants included healthy adults with no history of chronic pain, who underwent a series of pinprick stimuli and different vibration patterns (A, B, C, and D) applied by the BHD. The primary outcome investigated mechanical pain sensitivity, and secondary outcomes explored mechanical pain threshold and satisfaction. Mechanical pain sensitivity was assessed using numerical pain ratings, while pain threshold and satisfaction were measured through standardized thresholds and survey responses, respectively. Data were analyzed using mixed-effect linear and logistic regression models.

Results:

A total of 199 participants were enrolled. All vibration patterns reduced perceived pain compared to the control condition, with Pattern D achieving the greatest reduction (p < 0.001). Regarding mechanical pain threshold, Pattern A increased the odds of pain detection (odds ratio: 1.63, p = 0.019), while other patterns showed no differences. Approximately 77% of participants recommended the BHD.

Discussion:

The BHD reduced procedural pain, supporting use of vibration therapy as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve patient comfort during needle procedures. Future studies should explore vibration patterns with clinical procedures and assess the device’s impact across diverse populations.