Can a VR headset soothe IBS pain?

NCT ID NCT06687616

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Christopher Almario Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

irritable bowel syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

IBS (IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States
Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

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