Virtual reality may calm colonoscopy jitters without drugs
NCT ID NCT06346171
First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a combination of virtual reality and psychotherapy can help people undergoing colonoscopy without sedation feel less anxious and experience less pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the VR-enhanced psychotherapy, a sham VR distraction, or standard care. The study aims to see if this non-drug approach improves the procedure experience and could encourage more people to get screened for colorectal cancer.
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 combined with integrative psychotherapy (music therapy, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and values discussion)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this approach could offer a drug-free way to reduce anxiety and pain during colonoscopy, potentially improving patient experience and screening uptake.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early-stage trial with only 36 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is complex and may not work for everyone, and some people may experience motion sickness or discomfort with VR.
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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
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University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T Popa
Iași, Iaşi, 700115, Romania
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