Could virtual reality help kids heal after heart surgery?

NCT ID NCT06712368

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Cairo University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether using virtual reality glasses during physical therapy can reduce pain, improve blood oxygen levels, and help children walk farther after open heart surgery. Forty children aged 6 to 12 took part. One group used VR glasses during their cardiac rehab exercises, while the other group did the same exercises without VR. Researchers measured pain, blood gases, and walking ability to see if VR made a difference.

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 glasses
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease pain and speed recovery for children after heart surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with only 40 children, so results may not apply to all kids. Virtual reality may not work for everyone and could cause dizziness or discomfort.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHILDREN AFTER OPEN HEART SURGERY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

congenital heart disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHILDREN AFTER OPEN HEART SURGERY

Contacts and locations

Locations

National heart institute

Cairo, Egypt

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.