VR headsets could revolutionize Kids' physical therapy
NCT ID NCT06140121
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether using virtual reality (VR) during physical therapy helps children be more active and enjoy therapy more. Sixty kids aged 7-25 who were already in physical therapy tried both VR-assisted and traditional therapy. Researchers measured their movement and effort to see if VR 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 headset (Oculus Quest 2) used during physical therapy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could make physical therapy more fun and effective for children, potentially improving their recovery and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to all children. VR may cause motion sickness or seizures in some cases.
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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60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 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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7 to 25 years
- 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: * Between age 7-25 * has an active physical therapy consultation * Anticipated inpatient stay for more than 2 days Exclusion Criteria: * Legal guardian not present to obtain consent * child with a significant neurological condition, or major developmental disability * child with active infection of the face or hand * a history of severe motion sickness * a history of seizures cause by flashing light * Major surgery within the last 48 hours
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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
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Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford
Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States
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