Virtual reality may help kids feel less pain and fear during wound dressing changes
NCT ID NCT07729020
First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether using an immersive virtual reality headset during the first postoperative orthopedic dressing change can reduce anxiety and pain in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18. Participants are randomly assigned to either wear the VR headset during the procedure or receive standard care. The study measures changes in self-reported anxiety and pain, as well as heart rate and breathing rate, to see if distraction through VR makes the experience less distressing.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- immersive virtual reality distraction via a headset
- What this could lead to
- If it works, virtual reality could become a simple, drug-free way to ease anxiety and pain for children during medical procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 48 participants. The effect may be modest or not generalizable to all children or procedures.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Dipartimento di scienze della salute, DISSAL - UNIGE
Genoa, Liguria, 16132, Italy
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