[ad_1]
By Cara Murez
HealthDay Reporter
FRIDAY, December 4th, 2020 (HealthDay News) – Could an authentic smile be the key to getting a less painful vaccination? Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, say yes.
That genuine smile, which lifts the corners of the mouth and creates crow’s feet around the eyes, can reduce the pain of a needle injection by up to 40% and also lessen a stressful physiological response related to the needle by lowering the heart rate. said the researchers.
Surprisingly, even a grimace created those same responses. A poker face no.
“When dealing with distress or pleasure, humans make remarkably similar facial expressions that involve activating the eye muscles, lifting the cheeks and uncovering the teeth,” said researcher Sarah Pressman, a professor of psychological sciences.
“We have found that these movements, as opposed to a neutral expression, are helpful in reducing discomfort and stress,” Pressman said in a university press release.
This is news that people may be able to use right away as the launch of a two-part COVID-19 vaccine begins this winter.
The study included 231 people who reported their levels of pain, emotion and distress when they were injected with saline using a 25-gauge needle, which is the type typically used with a flu shot.
Participants were asked to express a genuine smile, a fake smile, a grimace or a neutral expression. Those who maintained a grin or grimace told researchers that the blow only hurt about half of the neutral group.
“Our study demonstrates a simple, free and clinically meaningful way to make needle injection less terrible,” said Pressman. “Given the numerous anxiety and pain-causing situations encountered in medical practice, we hope that understanding how and when to smile and grimace will help promote effective pain reduction strategies that result in better patient experiences.”
The results were published online in the journal Emotion.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19 vaccine research.
SOURCE: University of California, Irvine, press release, December 1, 2020
.
[ad_2]
Source link
