Virtual reality workouts show promise for fibromyalgia relief
NCT ID NCT07605143
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested whether doing exercise in a virtual reality headset can improve quality of life, thinking, and mood in people with fibromyalgia. Thirty adults with fibromyalgia took part in a crossover trial where everyone tried both virtual reality exercise and regular exercise. Researchers measured changes in symptoms like pain, fatigue, memory, and anxiety.
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 exercise program
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, engaging way to help people with fibromyalgia feel better and think more clearly.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 30 people. The results may not apply to everyone, and virtual reality can cause dizziness or discomfort in some users.
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
-
36 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Dec 2025
- Finished
-
Feb 2026
- 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
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Female participants only
- 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 * Female participants aged 18 years or older * Clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia according to the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria * Ability to understand and follow study procedures * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Cancer-related pain * Uncontrolled metabolic disorders * History of vertigo, vestibular disorders, or any condition that could be aggravated by immersive virtual reality exposure * Neurological or musculoskeletal conditions that contraindicated participation in therapeutic exercise
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Fibromyalgia are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
Universidad San Sebastián
Concepción, Biobio, 41000, Chile
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a light bulb dial down chronic pain?
- Can a Hands-On nerve technique ease Fibromyalgia's grip?
- Why some days hurt more: charting Fibromyalgia's daily swings
- Zapping the vagus nerve: a new hope for fibromyalgia pain?
- Can a Video-Call stretching program ease fibromyalgia pain?
- Writing as medicine: can words soothe chronic pain?