Can virtual reality soothe IBS symptoms?

NCT ID NCT05796388

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Mayo Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This pilot study tests whether adding immersive virtual reality therapy to the standard IBS medication linaclotide can improve symptoms and quality of life more than medication alone. Researchers will enroll 65 adults with IBS-C and compare those getting real VR therapy to those getting a sham VR. The main goal is to see if the combination leads to greater symptom relief after 8 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: linaclotide and virtual reality therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a drug-free add-on therapy to ease IBS symptoms and improve quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early pilot study with only 65 people. The VR therapy may not provide extra benefit over medication alone, and results may not apply to everyone with IBS-C.

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.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME WITH CONSTIPATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mayo Clinic Florida
RECRUITING

Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States

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