Virtual reality headsets ease pain during knee treatment, study finds
NCT ID NCT05468398
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether using virtual reality (VR) during a knee pain procedure called genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation could reduce pain and improve satisfaction. Forty adults used a VR headset during the procedure and rated their pain and satisfaction. The goal was to see if VR can be a helpful, non-drug option for managing procedure-related discomfort.
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 therapy (Soothe VR device)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease pain and anxiety during medical procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This was a small, single-site study with only 40 participants. The VR device is not yet FDA-reviewed, and results may not apply to everyone.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
UC Irvine Gottschalk Medical Plaza
Irvine, California, 92617, United States
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