VR goggles ease surgery fears in children, study finds

NCT ID NCT07415343

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether watching a virtual reality (VR) educational video before surgery could reduce fear and pain in children aged 5 to 12. Seventy-four children were randomly assigned to either a VR group or a control group. While fear scores did not differ between groups overall, children in the VR group had less fear after watching the video and reported lower pain after surgery compared to the control group.

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

What this could lead to

If this approach is confirmed, hospitals could use VR as a simple, drug-free way to help children feel less pain and fear before and after surgery.

What could go wrong

This was a small, single-center study with only 74 children. The fear reduction was seen only within the VR group, not compared to the control group, so the effect may not be strong or generalizable.

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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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Ege University

    Izmir, Turkey (Türkiye)