Comparing TPR and Z-track Techniques to Reduce Pain and Medication Leakage in Intramuscular Injections

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two techniques, TPR traction-pressure-release and Z-track, to see which is better at reducing pain and medication leakage during intramuscular injections in the ventrogluteal muscle. This randomized, triple-blind clinical trial focuses on patients aged 16 to 40 who are prescribed diclofenac sodium. The study aims to find a more comfortable injection method that could improve patient adherence to treatment. Participants will receive intramuscular injections using both the TPR and Z-track methods, each applied to randomly assigned ventrogluteal muscles. The TPR technique involves applying deep pressure to the muscle and quickly releasing it while the needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle, creating a snapping motion. The Z-track method involves pulling the skin laterally before needle insertion, injecting, and then releasing the skin immediately after. During the study, pain will be measured with a Visual Analog Scale within five minutes after injection, and drug leakage will be observed immediately after injection using millimetric paper and a ruler. All injections are administered by the same nurse, and assessments are done by blinded evaluators. The trial runs from June 2025 to August 2025, and participants will be monitored closely for pain and leakage outcomes to determine the more effective technique.

Effects of TPR and Z Techniques on Pain and Drug Leakage in Intramuscular Injections