Virtual reality headsets calm nerves before surgery, study finds
NCT ID NCT06877663
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether using a VR headset to watch relaxing videos before surgery can lower anxiety and pain. 233 adults scheduled for elective surgery either used the VR headset or received standard care. Researchers measured anxiety levels and pain scores to see if the VR experience made a difference.
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 Device (Meta Quest 2 headsets showing entertainment videos)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could give hospitals a simple, drug-free way to help patients feel calmer before surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single completed study with 233 participants. The effect may be small or not apply to all types of surgery or patients.
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
-
233 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2024
- Finished
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Mar 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
-
18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>18 years * Age \<70 years * Indication for elective surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder, Major Depression, Personality Disorder, Bipolar Syndrome * Substance abuse * Inability to complete the study protocol * Patients for whom the surgical procedure was not performed
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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
-
University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
Caserta, CE, 81100, Italy
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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