Clinical Research Directory

Cybersickness Prevention and Mitigation in Virtual Reality for Healthy Volunteers

Background: People use virtual reality (VR) technology to play games, socialize, work, or receive medical care. Some people have "cybersickness" after using VR. Cybersickness is similar to motion sickness. Symptoms include eye strain, nausea, dizziness, or headache. The symptoms are usually mild and go away after the person stops using VR. New software called Motion Reset is being designed to reduce symptoms of cybersickness during VR use. Objective: To see if Motion Reset software can reduce cybersickness in people using VR. Eligibility: Healthy adults aged 18 to 60 years. Design: Participants will have 1 clinic visit that will last about 1 hour. They will answer questions about how they are feeling. They will learn how to use the VR headset and the handheld game controllers. The study will be broken into 2 parts. For the first part, participants will be assigned to 1 of 3 groups: Group 1 will participate in a VR experience designed to prevent cybersickness. They will view screens and move around while they press buttons on a controller. Group 2 will participate in a VR experience that is not designed to prevent cybersickness. They will view screens and move around while they press buttons on a controller. Group 3 will have no VR experience. Participants will complete 2 questionnaires about their experiences in the first part of the study. For the second part, all participants will spend up to 20 minutes playing a commercial VR game called Jurassic World Aftermath. Every few minutes, they will be asked if they are experiencing discomfort. After playing the game, participants will complete 12 questionnaires about their experience....

Treatment of Parental Anxiety Virtual Reality (VR)

The purpose of this study is to determine if non-invasive distracting devices (Virtual Reality headset) are more effective than the standard of care (i.e., no technology based distraction) for preventing anxiety in parental and pediatric populations. The study will be conducted in the general inpatient area, Emergency Department and Heart Center.

Social Virtual-reality on Enhancing Social Interaction Skills in Children With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The study targets children with diagnosed ADHD and aims to (1) develop a social virtual reality-based intervention, (2) investigate its effects on improving the social skills and executive functioning of inhibitions, emotional control and attention of the children compared to traditional social skills training and (3) evaluate the subjects acceptability and compliance with social VR training for enhancing social interaction skills. It is hypothesised that the social interaction skills of the participants in the social VR training group are likely to perform better than those in the traditional social skills training group. Participants in the waitlist control group will receive no change in social interaction skills compared with the two intervention groups.

Using 360-Degree Interactive Video for Bleeding First Aid in Nursing Education: Effects on Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Learning Experience

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a 360-degree interactive virtual reality (VR) video simulation works to improve first aid knowledge, knowledge retention, and self-efficacy in stopping severe bleeding among first-year undergraduate nursing students. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Does experiencing the interactive VR video simulation increase students' knowledge of bleeding first aid? * Does the VR video simulation increase students' long-term retention of first aid knowledge? * Does the VR video simulation improve students' self-efficacy in bleeding first aid? Researchers compared four groups using a Solomon four-group design to evaluate the effectiveness of the VR simulation, while also testing whether taking a pre-test affected the final outcomes. Participants: * Completed an introductory survey and possibly a baseline test measuring first aid knowledge and self-efficacy. * Attended a 1-hour standard classroom lecture about first aid for bleeding. * (Intervention groups only) Completed a 5-minute interactive 360-degree video simulation of a severe bleeding emergency using an Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, which required answering 7 clinical decision-making questions. * Completed follow-up tests 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the training to measure their bleeding first aid knowledge and self-efficacy.

Effect of a Single Immersive Virtual Reality Session on Preoperative Surgical Fear and State Anxiety

To determine whether a single 20-minute immersive VR nature session delivered in the immediate preoperative period reduces surgical fear and state anxiety in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery.

Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses on Pain, Anxiety, and Comfort During Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Effect of Virtual Reality Glasses on Pain, Anxiety, and Comfort During ESWL

Use of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality During Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Needle Phobia

This case series study seeks to evaluate the use of a Spatial Computing Device and Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) as an exposure therapy modality for children and adolescents with needle and blood-injection-injury phobia. This study will take place at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) and Stanford Hospital (Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA).

Effects of Virtual Reality Hand Hygiene Simulation on Nurses' Hand Hygiene

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important patient safety concern, and hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures for preventing their transmission. However, hand hygiene compliance among healthcare professionals, including nurses, remains suboptimal. Innovative educational approaches may support the development of hand hygiene knowledge, behaviour, and compliance. Virtual reality (VR) simulation provides an immersive and interactive learning environment that allows learners to practice clinical situations and reinforce knowledge and skills. In nursing education, VR simulation may facilitate the transfer of theoretical knowledge into practice and provide opportunities for repeated learning experiences. This randomized controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of a VR-based hand hygiene simulation for nurses. Participants in both the experimental and control groups received standard hand hygiene training, while participants in the experimental group additionally received VR-based hand hygiene simulation. The study evaluated the effects of the intervention on nurses' hand hygiene knowledge, handwashing behaviour, and hand hygiene compliance.

Virtual Reality to Reduce Pre-procedure Anxiety Prior ECT

Lack of patient knowledge about ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) is a leading cause of treatment fear with 60% of ECT patients reporting high levels of anxiety. The purpose of this study is to determine if using Virtual Reality (VR) to allow patients' to experience a virtual ECT education session before treatment is useful in lowering treatment anxiety and increasing knowledge about ECT if compared to standard treatment. In addition, measuring heart rate and blood pressure levels before ECT treatment will allow us to assess changes in anxiety levels. Individuals who choose to participate will be placed (participant will have a 50% chance to be placed in either group) to view either a virtual reality video to experience a virtual ECT session, or to receive standard preparation, i.e. a discussion with a psychiatrist. Before and after this session participants will be asked to complete a measurement of their anxiety level and knowledge about ECT (ECT Attitude \& Knowledge Questionnaire). Just before ECT treatment, blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety level will be measured. Participants will also complete cognitive and depression assessments. This study will help to develop a relationship between healthcare providers and patients and their families to help with education before ECT treatment.

Virtual Reality: a Teaching-learning Strategy for Cognitive Mastery in Airway Trauma Management

Airway injury in patients is a high risk and complex medical crisis. Unfortunately, training for airway management in injured patients is challenging. The most effective way of practicing airway management is using mannequins. However, mannequin training is expensive and only occasionally available to medical trainees. The purpose of this study is to determine if Virtual Reality (VR) can be used to educate medical students on airway injury management. VR training will involve managing the care of a patient with an airway injury in an immersive, interactive VR hospital trauma bay. The investigators will compare the knowledge gained from VR training vs. mannequin training. The investigators will also investigate whether VR training teaches students faster than mannequin training. In addition, the investigators will identify factors which might affect learning from VR. Medical students who choose to participate will be randomized (i.e. participant will have a 50% chance to be placed in either group) to be trained with VR or a mannequin. Participants then will be trained on airway injury management using their assigned training approach. One week later, all participants will be assessed on their airway injury management skills using a mannequin. Before and after their sessions, participants will also be asked to complete a questionnaire on their clinical decision-making. Participants who received VR training will also complete a questionnaire about their experience with the VR training. This study will help develop a new approach to airway management training which is cheaper and more easily available to medical trainees than mannequin training. This educational tool could lead to better treatment of airway trauma in future patients.

Virtual Reality During Periodontal Frenectomy

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether virtual reality can reduce anxiety, pain, and physiological stress responses during periodontal frenectomy in adults who need this surgical procedure. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does virtual reality reduce anxiety before and after periodontal frenectomy? Does virtual reality reduce pain during and after the procedure? Does virtual reality have a favorable effect on physiological stress responses such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation? Does virtual reality affect surgical process-related outcomes and early wound healing? Researchers will compare adults who receive standard periodontal frenectomy with virtual reality-based audiovisual distraction to adults who receive standard periodontal frenectomy without virtual reality. Participants will: Complete anxiety and pain questionnaires before the procedure. Undergo periodontal frenectomy under local anesthesia. Be randomly assigned to either the virtual reality group or the control group. Have blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and pain levels recorded at defined time points during the procedure. Record daily pain levels and analgesic use for 7 days after surgery. Return for a 7-day follow-up visit for suture removal and early wound healing assessment.

Surgical Drain Removal: Pain and Anxiety Management

Background: Surgical drain removal may cause pain and anxiety in patients after bariatric surgery. Virtual reality may reduce procedure-related discomfort by directing attention away from painful stimuli. This study evaluated the effect of virtual reality on pain and state anxiety during surgical drain removal after bariatric surgery. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 adult patients who underwent bariatric surgery in a private hospital in Kocaeli, Türkiye. Participants were randomly assigned to a virtual reality group or a control group at a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the intervention group watched a standardized 360° nature video using virtual reality goggles before and during drain removal, while patients in the control group received routine care. Pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Pain Scale, and anxiety was evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory. Outcomes were measured before and immediately after drain removal. The collected data were statistically analyzed.

Benefits of Using Virtual Reality Preoperatively in Managing Anxiety During Outpatient Foot Bone Surgery

Forefoot bone surgeries, such as surgical correction of hallux valgus, are routine orthopedic procedures. Outpatient surgery is offered in the vast majority of cases with regional anesthesia. Even though it is a simple and quick surgical procedure, it affects the patient's body image, who will worry about the outcome. Furthermore, because the anesthesia is regional, the patient can hear the surgical procedures being performed, which generates anxiety. Finally, the lack of information about the preoperative process, from arrival at the hospital and then in the ward to the operating room, can generate additional anxiety for the patient. One way to reduce anxiety related to surgery could be the use of virtual reality (VR) techniques. VR uses technologies that simulate a user's physical presence in an environment artificially generated by software. VR has already been used in studies to distract patients from pain and stress. During surgery, wearing a VR headset can reduce anxiety and stress related to the procedure. However, there are currently few studies investigating the use of VR to reduce preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. This research is based on the hypothesis that visualizing the perioperative journey via a VR headset, some time before the procedure, would reduce preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. The main objective is to evaluate the effect of using virtual reality on preoperative anxiety, through the visualization of a virtual perioperative journey by patients before surgery.

Virtual Reality in Ingrown Toenail Surgery

Ingrown toenail is a common condition that may cause significant pain, functional impairment, and recurrent disease. Although conservative management is appropriate for mild cases, moderate-to-severe or recurrent ingrown toenails are commonly treated surgically under local anesthesia. However, pain associated with the digital nerve block and procedure-related anxiety may negatively affect the patient experience. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and anxiety during a variety of medical procedures by providing an immersive distraction. Nevertheless, evidence regarding its use during ingrown toenail surgery remains limited. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of VR on procedure-related pain intensity and anxiety in adults undergoing outpatient ingrown toenail surgery under local anesthesia compared with standard care. Secondary objectives include assessing the effects of VR on physiological arousal parameters, patient satisfaction, and safety.

Virtual Reality Distraction for Pain and Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients

1. Assess pain and anxiety levels in hemodialysis patients during arteriovenous fistula needle insertion. 2. Determine the effect of the distraction technique using virtual reality on pain and anxiety levels during arteriovenous fistula needle insertion in hemodialysis patients. 3. Find out the differences in the level of pain and anxiety after using virtual reality with regard to the demographic and clinical data of the sample.

VR Effects After Hip Replacement Surgery Pain

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), a procedure performed to enhance the quality of life, is accompanied by postoperative challenges such as pain and anxiety that adversely affect patient comfort. Inadequate management of these complications can prolong the length of hospital stay, delay recovery, lead to functional impairments, and elevate the risk of chronic pain development. Conventional pharmacological interventions employed for management are limited due to their potential for adverse effects and dependency. Virtual reality (VR) is a non-pharmacological distraction technique utilized in the healthcare sector, leveraging advanced technology to maximize patient comfort by alleviating pain and minimizing anxiety. A review of the literature reveals that while the use of VR has positive effects on pain and anxiety, there is a notable scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials concurrently evaluating its impact on pain, anxiety, and comfort levels in postoperative orthopedic procedures such as THA. In this randomized controlled trial, participants in the control group will receive standard care, whereas those in the experimental group will receive a 30-minute VR intervention-offering three distinct options-in addition to standard care during the acute phase of the first 48 hours. Postoperative assessments will be conducted using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the State Anxiety Inventory for anxiety levels, and the Perianesthesia Comfort Scale for comfort levels. By evaluating the potential of VR as a non-pharmacological adjuvant in post-THA care, the findings of this study will provide significant contributions to evidence-based nursing practices aimed at developing multimodal pain management strategies, reducing opioid consumption, and enhancing patient satisfaction.

Neural Mechanisms of Immersive Virtual Reality in Chronic Pain (VR TMD EEG)

This project examines, in chronic pain, the mechanisms of immersive virtual reality compared to the mechanisms of placebo hypoalgesia. The potential of developing new non-pharmacological premises for low-risk interventions for pain management is high.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) in the Management of Anxiety for Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use and functionality of virtual reality (VR) during radiation therapy treatments for patients with prostate, breast, lung, or head and neck cancer.

The Effect of Virtual Reality and Binaural Beats on Pain, Anxiety, and Vital Signs During Cystoscopy

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of nature videos viewed through virtual reality goggles and binaural beat audio played during cystoscopy on pain, anxiety, and vital signs. The study was conducted between September 2025 and December 2025 with 60 patients who applied to the cystoscopy unit of a public hospital in Istanbul and met the inclusion criteria. Patients in the experimental group (n=30) were shown nature videos using virtual reality goggles and listened to binaural beats through headphones, while patients in the control group (n=30) received no intervention other than routine care. Research data were collected using the Patient Introduction Form, Visual Analog Scale, State Anxiety Scale, and Vital Findings Form. It was determined that nature videos and binaural beats played through virtual reality goggles during cystoscopy reduced patients' pain and anxiety levels and positively affected their vital signs.

Virtual Reality Within Palliative Care (VR-SPC)

Literature so far shows VR is largely acceptable and feasible to use in palliative care settings, especially for improving patient wellbeing and mental health. However, limited research exists for understanding the effectiveness of VR, especially if sessions are repeated or offered jointly with patient carers or companions. We aim to investigate the effectiveness of VR for achieving personally meaningful goals (including but not limited to relaxation, bucket-list activities, and improving wellbeing). This study will be offered to patients and their companions receiving palliative care at a hospice in England. Informed consent will be acquired after a participant information sheet has been shared with interested participants. Personal goals of VR use will be established at the start of the study with baseline mental health and wellbeing data collection. Up to 3 VR sessions will be offered. Before and after each session patients will be asked to complete questionnaires to track wellbeing and progression towards intended goals for utilising VR. A change interview will occur between 1 to 4 weeks after the final VR session to discuss their overall experiences of VR and will include repeated follow up questionnaires. Participants that which to engage with a joint-VR intervention with their companion (referred to as participant companions for the purposes of this study), will also require informed consent and completion of questionnaires and interview attendance to be involved with this study. Results will be gathered and analysed by creating anonymous individual rich case records and shared with a panel of independent psychologists to conclude whether or not, from our findings, virtual reality is effective for achieving personally important goals. Findings will be shared with the hospice involved and form a Doctoral Thesis based at the University of Lincoln.

Cardiovascular Health Education Via Virtual Reality for Breast Cancer Survivors Receiving Anthracyclines or Trastuzumab

The main goal of this study is to test a virtual reality (VR) program, Survivors' Virtual Reality Survivorship Experience (SurviVRSE), designed to help Breast Cancer survivors (n=30) learn about heart health. The aims are to test the usability, feasibility, and acceptability o the intervention. Additionally, follow-up assessments will examine changes in women's cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction knowledge and heart healthy behaviors (e.g., physical activity).

Virtual Reality-Based Integrative Simulation Nursing Home Visit

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality-based integrative simulation training program in enhancing psychometric competence among nursing students during interactive community nursing home visits. The study will involve nursing students who will participate in a virtual reality educational intervention designed to improve their knowledge, practical skills, attitudes, and psychomotor competence related to community nursing home visits. Outcomes will include changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes, psychomotor competence, usability of the system, and participant satisfaction before and after the intervention.

Effects of Virtual Reality and Relaxation During Non-Stress Testing

Aim: This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality and progressive muscle relaxation exercise in reducing anxiety during the non-stress test (NST) and to evaluate their effects on maternal physiological parameters in high-risk pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial between March 2025 and August 2025 at Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital with 126 high-risk pregnant women. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups (42 per group): virtual reality, progressive muscle relaxation exercise, and control group. During NST monitoring, participants in the virtual reality group received VR headset-based immersive audiovisual stimulation, while participants in the progressive muscle relaxation group performed guided relaxation exercises. The control group received routine NST monitoring without any additional intervention. Data were collected using the Informed Consent Form, Pregnant Woman Information Form, Non-Stress Test Follow-up Form, Physiological Parameters Follow-up Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Form TX-I). The STAI, VAS, and physiological parameters were measured before and after NST, while fetal NST parameters were recorded during the procedure.

Virtual Reality for Mindfulness and Anxiety Reduction in Fertility Procedures

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality (VR)-based mindfulness and meditation intervention in reducing anxiety among patients undergoing fertility-related surgical procedures. Anxiety is a common challenge in fertility treatments, often leading to emotional distress and increased pain perception. By incorporating a non-invasive VR intervention, the investigators seek to improve patient experience, minimize preoperative anxiety, and potentially reduce postoperative discomfort and recovery times. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare standard care with a VR intervention in a clinical setting, measuring key outcomes such as anxiety levels, pain perception, recovery duration, and overall patient satisfaction. The findings may contribute to more patient centered fertility care, offering an innovative, scalable, and cost-effective approach to anxiety management in reproductive medicine.