Virtual reality drills may train the body to stay calm under fire
NCT ID NCT07770880
First seen Aug 18, 2026 · Last updated Aug 19, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether repeated exposure to virtual reality (VR) scenarios—either an active shooter situation or target practice—changes how the body and mind respond to stress. Healthy young adults will experience several short VR simulations while their heart rate, stress hormones, and anxiety levels are measured. The goal is to see if stress reactions lessen over time and whether the type of training matters.
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 simulations of active shooter and target practice scenarios
- What this could lead to
- If repeated VR exposure reduces stress responses, it could inform better training methods for law enforcement and other high-stress professions.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in healthy students, so results may not apply to real-world officers or other populations. Stress measures may not fully capture real-life reactions.
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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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Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas, 78666, United States
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