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Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effects of Virtual Reality for Pain, Anxiety and Recovery Enhancement of Children Post-scoliosis Surgical Repair
Sponsor: St. Justine's Hospital
Summary
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in adolescents and frequently requires surgical intervention when curvature becomes severe. Although surgical correction improves long-term outcomes, the immediate postoperative period is often characterized by significant pain and anxiety, particularly during early mobilization, which can delay participation in physiotherapy and recovery. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and anxiety in pediatric medical settings through immersive distraction and guided engagement. The VR-SPINE study is a mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical effects of a VR-based intervention during early postoperative mobilization in adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery. 24 participants aged 10-17 years undergoing corrective scoliosis surgery will be recruited at CHU Sainte-Justine and randomized to either VR plus standard postoperative care or standard care alone. The VR intervention consists of a collaborative therapeutic game played during the first postoperative mobilization to an armchair, designed to promote relaxation, distraction, and engagement with physiotherapy. Primary outcomes include the feasibility of recruitment and implementation, as well as acceptability and satisfaction among participants and healthcare professionals. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain, anxiety, tolerance to mobilization, analgesic use, and adverse effects. Qualitative interviews with a subset of participants and healthcare professionals will further explore perceived barriers, facilitators, and the clinical experience of using VR during early recovery.
Official title: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effects of Virtual Reality for Pain, Anxiety and Recovery Enhancement of Children Post-Scoliosis Surgical Repair: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Parallel Trial (VR-SPINE)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
10 Years - 17 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
24
Start Date
2026-07
Completion Date
2028-06-30
Last Updated
2026-07-30
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Virtual Reality
Children play using a VR headset, while a physiotherapist interacts via a connected tablet, creating a cooperative experience. The 15-30-minute session takes place in a relaxing, magical jungle environment where players explore the island together to uncover treasures, collect items, and interact with non-threatening creatures. The game emphasizes collaboration and communication to achieve shared objectives and a positive experience. The design prioritizes accessibility, relaxation, and distraction to reduce pain and anxiety during early mobilization.
Standard medical treatment
Standard post-surgical care includes multimodal analgesia, parental presence (if desired), and routine reassurance practices.
Locations (1)
St. Justine's Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, Canada