Virtual forest walks may ease children's surgery fears
NCT ID NCT07694934
First seen Jul 10, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a brief virtual reality (VR) nature experience, combined with guided mindfulness, can reduce anxiety in children aged 10 to 17 who are about to have surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to either the VR nature mindfulness session or a standard mindfulness session. Researchers will measure anxiety levels before and after the intervention, along with changes in mindfulness and well-being, to see if the VR approach is practical and helpful for young patients.
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 nature-based mindfulness intervention
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this VR approach could offer a drug-free way to ease anxiety for children facing surgery, improving their experience without medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The VR intervention may not reduce anxiety more than standard mindfulness, and some children might find VR uncomfortable.
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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
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Shriners Hospital for Children - Canada
RECRUITINGMontreal, Canada
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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