Virtual dog brings joy to isolated kids in hospital trial
NCT ID NCT07187245
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a mixed reality program called Reality PAWS, which lets children interact with a virtual dog through a VR headset, is a feasible and safe substitute for in-person dog therapy for kids in isolation. About 50 children aged 8 to 21 will use the program and answer surveys about their anxiety, pain, and loneliness. The goal is to see if this technology can improve their hospital experience.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Meta Quest 3 VR headset with Reality PAWS mixed reality dog program
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a safe, fun way to reduce loneliness and anxiety for children who can't have real animal visits due to isolation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early feasibility study with only 50 participants. The virtual dog may not provide the same comfort as a real one, and some children might experience dizziness or discomfort from the VR headset.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
8 to 21 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Children 8 to 21 years old admitted to Children's Hospital Colorado or Children's Hospital Los Angeles * Children who are English-speaking (legal guardian may be English-speaking or Spanish-speaking) * Children within the normal range of development will be recruited for this study. Exclusion Criteria: * Traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders, neurodevelopmental issues, or other neurological disorders and comorbidities that may confound study outcomes and administration of the study protocol and metrics (e.g., visual field disturbances, frequent nausea/ vomiting, not medically stable, intellectual disability) * Children with visual, auditory, or tactile deficits that would interfere with the ability to complete the experimental tasks * Children with a history of seizure disorder * Children currently sick with flu-like symptoms or experiencing a headache or earache * Children with known or suspected motion sickness * Children with cochlear implants or pace makers
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Feasibility studies are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
RECRUITINGAurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
-
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90027, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can Land-Based teachings shape psychedelic therapy training?
- Can an app boost family program practice?
- Can a Parent's lap tame dental fear in toddlers?
- Can AI craft the perfect workout for seniors?
- Could a Life-Skills program transform teen health in belize?
- Could body awareness exercises ease anxiety in young adults?