Can a VR headset turn painful joint injections into a virtual escape?
NCT ID NCT07103096
First seen Aug 10, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether using a 3D virtual reality headset with hypnotic induction can improve the experience of patients undergoing joint injections (infiltrations) in rheumatology. Researchers will measure patient satisfaction and how feasible the approach is for different injection sites, such as the spine, shoulder, or knee. The goal is to see if VR can be a helpful tool to reduce discomfort during these procedures.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 3D virtual reality headset with hypnotic induction
- What this could lead to
- If effective, VR could offer a drug-free way to reduce anxiety and pain during joint injections, improving patient comfort.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study, so results may not apply broadly. VR may not work for everyone, and some patients may find it uncomfortable.
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.
- Participants
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30 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2025
- Finished
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May 2026
- 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.
Who is studied
Patient requiring infiltration of the spine (high epidural or sacrococcygeal hiatus) of the subacromial-deltoid bursa or the knee
- 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: * 18 years or older * Patient requiring infiltration of the spine (high epidural or sacrococcygeal hiatus) of the subacromial-deltoid bursa or the knee, regardless of the product infiltrated * Within the Rheumatology department of Saint-Antoine hospital (consultation or hospitalized) Exclusion Criteria: * History of severe psychiatric disorders - History of epilepsy * Cognitive disorders * Language barrier - Hearing aid-assisted deafness and/or ophthalmological problems leading to a major loss of vision (advanced cataract, visual impairment) * Infiltration of the spine (high epidural or sacrococcygeal hiatus), subacromial-deltoid bursa or knee \< 6 months * Characterized depressive disorder diagnosed recently (for less than 6 months) or not stabilized * Previous use of a virtual reality headset during treatment * Being under guardianship or curatorship
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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
-
Rheumatology department Hôpital Saint Antoine
Paris, 75012, France
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