Can VR goggles tame sickle cell pain? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT03353584
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether using virtual reality (VR) goggles during a sickle cell pain crisis can help children and young adults feel less pain. Participants will either get standard pain treatment alone or standard treatment plus a calming VR underwater experience. Researchers will compare pain scores and opioid use between the two groups to see if VR provides extra 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 therapy (KindVR Aqua software)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease pain during sickle cell crises, reducing reliance on opioids.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial (76 participants) testing a short-term effect. The benefit may be small or not last, and VR may not work for 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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Methodist Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center
COMPLETEDMemphis, Tennessee, 38104, United States
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
RECRUITINGMemphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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