Virtual reality headsets tested as pain relief after knee surgery
NCT ID NCT07286084
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether using virtual reality (VR) headsets with interactive games can reduce pain and the need for rescue painkillers in adults recovering from knee replacement surgery. 45 participants will use VR for short sessions after surgery. Researchers will measure pain levels, side effects, and how satisfied patients are with the experience.
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 (VR) headset with interactive games
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease pain after knee surgery and reduce reliance on painkillers.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 45 people. VR may not work for everyone and could cause side effects like dizziness or nausea.
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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About 45 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Dec 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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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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: * Adults ≥18 years of age, both sexes * Scheduled unilateral knee arthroplasty * Adequate cognitive and functional capacity to use virtual reality * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological or psychiatric disorders (history of epilepsy, seizures, psychosis, schizophrenia, claustrophobia, tremor, rigidity) * Significant visual or hearing impairments that hinder VR use * Physical or motor limitations preventing the use of VR headsets or maintaining the required posture * Score ≥4 on the 4AT delirium screening tool * Pregnancy * Recreational drug or alcohol use * Inability to complete the intervention protocol
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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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.
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