Can a VR headset soothe IBS pain?
NCT ID NCT06687616
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This completed trial tested whether a virtual reality program that teaches cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce belly pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 73 adults with IBS and significant abdominal pain used either the VR CBT program or a sham VR with nature videos for 8 weeks. The study measured pain severity and IBS symptoms to see if VR-based CBT offers real relief.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
virtual reality cognitive behavioral therapy (SynerGI)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to manage IBS pain and improve quality of life.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed pilot study (73 people) with a sham comparison, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be modest or not last long-term.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States
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Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States