VR headset may make you forget words—and pain
NCT ID NCT07183839
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether immersive virtual reality can distract people and affect their memory. Twenty healthy adults tried to remember words while in VR or while watching a plain video. Researchers also measured pain ratings during mild heat stimulation. The goal was to see if VR could reduce pain and anxiety by capturing attention.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Immersive Virtual Reality
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help develop VR-based methods to reduce pain and anxiety during medical procedures by distracting the brain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study with only 20 healthy volunteers. Results may not apply to patients or real-world medical settings.
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
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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
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20 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2024
- Finished
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Feb 2025
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * Currently enrolled in a course at the University of Washington Psychology Dept., participating in the UW Psychology subject pool * Able to read, write and comprehend English * Able to complete study measures * Willing to follow our UW approved instructions * 18 years of age or older Exclusion Criteria: * People who have already previously participated in this same study (e.g., last quarter) are not eligible to participate again. * Not enrolled in a course at the University of Washington Psychology Dept., not participating in the UW Psychology subject pool * Not be able to read, write and comprehend English * Younger than 18 years of age. * Not capable of completing measures * Not capable of indicating pain intensity, * Not capable of filling out study measures, * Extreme susceptibility to motion sickness, * Seizure history, * Unusual sensitivity or lack of sensitivity to pain, * Sensitive skin, * Sensitive feet * Migraines * Diabetes
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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 Washington
Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States