Can virtual reality or a stress ball ease pain during childbirth stitches?

NCT ID NCT07499011

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

Summary

This study tested whether using virtual reality goggles or squeezing a stress ball can help reduce pain during episiotomy repair (stitches after childbirth). 112 women were randomly assigned to use VR, a stress ball, both, or standard care. The goal was to see which method works best for pain relief without medication.

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 goggles and stress ball

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a simple, drug-free way to ease pain during a common childbirth procedure.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with 112 participants, so results may not apply to all women. Pain is subjective and distraction techniques may not work for everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

agnosia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Feminine and Children Teaching Hospital and al _Rumaitha Hospital

    Samawah, Muthanna Governorate, Iraq