Clinical Research Directory

Virtual Reality for Children in Radiotherapy (REVER)

For a young patient, the conditions of proton therapy treatment can be stressful. Adjusting the environment can be a source of avoiding this physical and psychological discomfort impacting the quality of treatment. A fixed, long, uncomfortable position is the main cause of stress, already present due to the cancerous therapeutic course. It extends the positioning time. For the patient and the optimization of his treatment, solutions must be sought. Relaxation in virtual reality is efficient, simple and non-medicinal and could reduce stress in children and allow irradiation in very good conditions. We will assess the effectiveness of the virtual reality session using objective (placement time, helmet tolerance) and subjective (perceived anxiety via a dedicated questionnaire) criteria. This is the first pediatric virtual reality study, supported by the French Group of Pediatric Radiotherapists, to reduce anxiety in radiotherapy. Multiple benefits from this pilot study are expected, such as improved reception conditions, treatment parameters and better acceptance of proton therapy sessions.

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).

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.

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....

The Effect of Virtual Reality Applications on Upper Extremity Functions in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

This study aims to evaluate the effects of fully immersive virtual reality (VR) applications on upper extremity (UE) functions in individuals diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a progressive neuromuscular disorder that leads to muscle weakness and loss of function, including the upper limbs, which are essential for daily activities and independence. In this randomized controlled trial, 36 participants with DMD will be divided into two groups: a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy and an intervention group receiving the same physiotherapy program (excluding upper extremity exercises) combined with VR-based exercises. The VR games will be designed specifically to improve shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand functions and will be delivered using Meta Quest 3 headsets with hand-tracking capabilities. Both groups will receive therapy twice a week for 8 weeks. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention, and at follow-up, using validated tools to measure UE function, grip strength, fine motor skills, trunk control, fatigue, quality of life, and participation in daily activities. The study aims to explore innovative rehabilitation strategies for DMD and contribute to improving the independence and quality of life of affected individuals.

Assessing the Feasibility of Using Virtual Reality Experiences in Older Adults

To assess the feasibility of using computer-generated VR (CG-VR) and film-based VR (FB-VR) in seriously ill older adults

Effects of Wiifit vs Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation on Dizziness and Balance in Patients With Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction

Unilateral Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction (UPVD) causes dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and reduced quality of life. Conventional Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (cVRT) is effective, while WiiFit-based virtual reality training may further enhance motivation and neuroplasticity. This study aims to compare WiiFit-based training with conventional rehabilitation in improving balance and reducing dizziness in UPVD patients. A randomized controlled trial will include participants aged 18-65 meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: Group A receiving conventional therapy (40 minutes, 3 sessions/week) and Group B receiving WiiFit-based exercises for 4 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed using DHI, Mini-BESTest, and VADL before and after intervention.

Virtual Reality-Assisted Nursing Intervention During Intrauterine Device Insertion

Effect of Virtual Reality-Assisted Nursing Intervention on Pain and Anxiety During Intrauterine Device Insertion: A Randomized Controlled Trial April 30, 2026 The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a virtual reality-assisted nursing intervention on participants' pain, anxiety, physiological parameters and comfort levels during Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertion. In this context, the study which hypothesises that the virtual reality application will reduce pain and anxiety during the procedure, support physiological stability, and enhance participants' comfort levels was designed as a randomised controlled trial.

Patient-Specific 3D Action Observation Training in Parkinson's Disease

Although studies exist demonstrating the effects of single-session action observation training on bradykinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease, research investigating the long-term application of such training remains limited. Furthermore, the broader literature indicates that action observation training has typically been conducted in simulated environments or by using recordings obtained from healthy individuals. The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of action observation training, delivered in a fully immersive virtual reality environment using each patient's own 3D motion recordings, on bradykinesia and other disease-related parameters.

Use of Virtual Reality Mask During Blood and Skin Allergic Tests in 7 to 13 Children

Main objective : Evaluate the effect of using a virtual reality mask during the blood test and pricks tests in allergic children aged from 7 to 13 years. Hypothesis : Using virtual reality mask during blood test and pricks tests for allergic kids from 7 to 13 would reduce anxiety and pain

Investigation of the Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training and Virtual Reality-Based Games on Children

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training and virtual reality-based games on functional capacity, activity and participation. 63 children between the ages of 6-10, living under protection and care, were randomly assigned to participate in the study. Individuals in the aerobic exercise training and virtual reality-based game group received 24 training sessions, 2 days a week, for 12 weeks. The control group received no training and was asked to continue their normal lives. All study participants were assessed before and after the 12-week training.

Virtual Reality Infection Control Training for Healthcare Workers During the Hajj Season

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) training on improving infection control preparedness among healthcare workers during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does VR training improve healthcare workers' knowledge, confidence, and preparedness for infection control compared to traditional training? Are there differences in outcomes between the VR training and traditional lecture-based education?

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).

Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) for Ultrasound-guided Medical Procedures

The study seeks to assess the efficacy of incorporating augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) technology into ultrasound-guided medical procedures such as regional anesthesia and line placement. By utilizing AR/VR devices, the investigators will improve the ergonomics when using ultrasound to guide procedures. The aims are to enhance visualization of anatomical structures and improve procedural accuracy for clinicians. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility, and effectiveness of integrating AR/VR technology into ultrasound-guided procedures, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.

Perioperative Virtual Reality Intervention for Pain and Anxiety During Vasectomies

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a virtual reality (VR) program (TRIPP) can reduce pain, anxiety, and distress in adult men (aged 18+) undergoing a vasectomy under local anesthesia. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does using VR during a vasectomy lower patients' pain during the procedure compared to standard care? * Does VR reduce anxiety and distress compared to standard care? * Are patients more satisfied with their experience when using VR compared to standard care? Researchers will compare two groups: * VR group: Patients will use a VR headset with a guided meditation program (TRIPP) during their vasectomy. * Control group: Patients will receive standard care (no VR). Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to either the VR group or control group. * Complete brief questionnaires before, during, and after the procedure (about 15-20 minutes each time). * (VR group only) Use a VR headset during the procedure and provide optional feedback about the experience. Why is this important? Vasectomies are typically done with local anesthesia (pain relief), but many patients still feel anxiety or discomfort. VR may help distract and relax patients, improving their experience. This study will help health professionals understand if VR could be a useful option for future patients.

Exploring the Application of Virtual Reality in Enhancing Chest Percussion Techniques, Reducing Caregiver Stress, and Improving Teaching Effectiveness for Caregivers of Children With Pneumonia

This study intends to adopt a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design to explore the application of virtual reality in training chest percussion techniques for children with pneumonia. The aim is to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of caregivers in performing this technique. The study will analyze the potential clinical benefits of improving caregivers' chest percussion skills and reducing caregiver stress

Effectiveness of a Visual Telerehabilitation Program on Visual Perception in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults With Hemianopsia Consecutive to a Brain Tumour

Evaluate the efficiency of audiovisual stimulation in virtual reality for improving the visual perception of children, adolescents, and young adults with hemianopia resulting from pediatric brain tumors. These individuals can lose up to 50% of their visual field, significantly impacting their independence, mobility, and daily lives.

Virtual Reality Therapy for Cancer-Treatment Associated Symptoms

We propose an innovative approach to symptom management in cancer patients following cancer treatments, utilizing a Multimodal Integrative Therapy (MIT) delivered via Virtual Reality (VR) program, authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for in-home use. Our primary goal is to generate pilot data on the effects of MIT-VR program on pain, fatigue, sleep, depression, and anxiety in participants suffering from chronic cancer symptoms following cancer treatments.

Comparison of Two Relaxation Strategies Between Glasses, Virtual Reality Headset, and Without Relaxation Tool, in the Anxiety Preoperative of Orthopedic Adult Patients

In adults, the prevalence of preoperative anxiety related to surgery or anesthesia ranges from 60 to 80%, and context plays an important role. Patients with significant preoperative anxiety experience reduced sleep quality. In addition, high preoperative anxiety is linked to more severe postoperative pain and an increased need for painkillers. In addition, it is a source of dysfunction in care. Currently, there are no recommendations regarding the prevention of preoperative anxiety. New approaches have emerged that show some benefit: music, binaural auditory stimulation and hypnosis. In the UAC J0 unit of the Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, the caregivers offer the PSiO glasses, a tool combining three techniques: light therapy, relaxation and chromotherapy. This system has obtained CE and FCC markings and seems to be more or less effective on patients admitted to the CH . A pilot study evaluating the effects of virtual reality hypnosis on patients' preoperative anxiety has shown that this technology represents a non-invasive way to reduce preoperative stress levels without side effects and without the need for additional medical or paramedical staff. This study aims to improve the patient's well-being before their operation. Depending on the randomization, he will benefit from a relaxation session with the Psio glasses or a virtual reality hypnosis session with the Hypno VR headset. Follow-up of patients will be carried out on the basis of variation in an anxiety scale, physiological criteria, the amount of anesthetic products used, the time spent in the recovery room, and the evaluation of pain.

Virtual Activities of Living for Occupational Rehabilitation

Duke University will serve as the clinical research site for the Phase II RCT of the VALOR system, which enables telehealth delivery of evidence-based upper extremity (UE) stroke therapy in a patient's home using immersive VR headset technology for guided practice of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs). The study compares VALOR Home Exercise Program (HEP) to Usual Care Treatment (UCT) in adults with stroke-related UE impairment.

Virtual Nature as a Health-promoting Intervention for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia

Rationale and Objectives: Despite significant efforts from healthcare professionals, nursing home residents with dementia often face isolation and a reduced quality of life. Increasing attention has been given to digital solutions as a complement to pharmaceutical treatments. In particular, Virtual Nature (VN; i.e., virtual reality simulations that simulate nature experiences) has emerged as a promising, cost-effective approach to enhancing quality of life and slowing cognitive decline in nursing home residents with dementia. This project aims to assess the long-term effects of a VN intervention on various health and well-being indicators in nursing home residents with dementia. Design: The study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial with parallel conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a treatment or a control group. The treatment group will undergo a 12-week VN intervention in addition to usual medications and nursing home activities, while the control group will continue with their usual medications and activities. Assessments will be performed at baseline, in concomitance with the first VN session, and at 4 and 12 weeks into the intervention. VN intervention: The intervention will consist of undergoing a 10-minute VN session twice a week for 12 consecutive weeks. The participants will choose a 360° video from a library of different VN scenarios. The 360° videos within the library will be filmed by the researchers in locations near or in the same region of the participant's nursing homes, and will consist of scenes from various seasons in Norway (spring, summer, fall, winter) and depict popular outdoor recreations such as hiking and cross-country skiing. The VN sessions will be delivered in the participants' room. The playback will be done through a Meta Quest 3 (Reality Labs , USA). The intervention will be delivered by the researchers in collaboration with caregivers and/or nursing students in practice. Participants: Sixty nursing home residents with dementia will be recruited from different nursing homes in Drammen municipality and randomly assigned to the treatment or the control condition. The treatment group will undergo the VN intervention while continuing to receive their usual medications and attending regular activities at their respective nursing homes. The control group will only continue receiving their usual medication and attending regular activities at their respective nursing homes. Inclusion criteria are: being a nursing-home resident with a dementia diagnosis, having normal or corrected-to-normal sight and being able to communicate in Norwegian. Additionally, participants will be excluded if deemed to have poor tolerance to the VN experience (this will be evaluated based on preliminary trials and discussions with caregivers). Written informed consent will be collected for all participants (either directly from the participant or, in case they are not legally competent, their caregivers), after having explained the benefits and risks of participating to them. Instruments: Basic demographic data (age and gender) will be recorded. To assess potential long-term effects, the following measures will be collected at baseline, week 4, and week 12 for both the treatment and control groups: Quality of Life in Late-stage Dementia scale, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, Brief Agitation Rating Scale, Clinical Dementia Rating scale, and Use of psychotropic drugs.

Virtual Reality Training Using Wii Fit in Children With Cerebral Palsy

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether virtual reality (VR) training using the Nintendo Wii Fit can improve balance, gross motor function, and agility in children aged 7-14 years with spastic cerebral palsy (GMFCS Levels I-II). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does Wii Fit-based VR training improve balance more than conventional physiotherapy? Does VR training enhance gross motor skills such as standing, walking, running, and jumping? Does VR training improve agility in children with cerebral palsy? Does VR training increase enjoyment and engagement during therapy? Researchers will compare Wii Fit-based VR training with conventional physiotherapy to determine which approach leads to greater improvements in motor function. Participants will: Attend 18 sessions over 6 weeks (3 sessions per week). Perform either VR-based exercises using the Wii Fit Balance Board or traditional physiotherapy exercises. Complete pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Pediatric Balance Scale, GMFM-88 (domains D and E), BOT-2 agility subtest, and the PACES enjoyment scale. This study aims to explore a fun, cost-effective, and engaging rehabilitation strategy that may improve functional independence and overall quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.

Neural Correlates of Hypoalgesia Driven by Observation

Placebo effects held an ambivalent place in health care for at least two centuries. On the one hand, placebos are traditionally used as controls in clinical trials to correct for biases and the placebo response is viewed as an effect to be factored out in order to isolate and accurately measure the effects of the treatment. On the other hand, there is scientific evidence that placebo effects represent fascinating psychoneurobiological events involving the contribution of distinct central nervous as well as peripheral physiological mechanisms that influence pain perception and clinical pain symptoms and substantially modulate the response to pain therapeutics. Therefore, placebo effects have shifted from being a challenge for clinical trials to a resource to trigger the reduction of pain based on endogenous mechanisms that can be activated in the brain to promote hypolagesia, self-healing, and well-being. This is relevant in acute pain settings given that chronic opioid users die within approximately 2.5 years of being prescribed their first opioid medication to treat acute pain. The overall hypothesis is that observational learning influences neural pain modulation and cognition systems, including processes associated with mentalizing (the ability to cognitively understand mental states of others), empathy (the ability to share an emotional experience), and expectancy (the anticipation of a benefit). The objective is to determine the brain mechanisms of observationally-induced analgesia using brain mapping approaches that target changes in blood oxygenation and oscillatory activity in the brain, thus enabling investigators to draw inferences about the localization and extent of neurobiological activation underlying hypoalgesia driven by observation. Therefore, the investigators designed innovative experiments using pharmacological fMRI, EEG, and combined EEG-fMRI measurements.

Empathy and Virtual Reality (VR)

This study will characterize the subjective and physiological changes associated with empathy following a fear-inducing virtual reality (VR) experience.