Virtual reality vs. smartphone: which distracts better from burn pain?
NCT ID NCT07507448
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether using a virtual reality headset or a smartphone during burn dressing changes can lower pain and anxiety. 99 adults with second-degree burns will be randomly assigned to VR, smartphone, or standard care. Pain and anxiety are measured right after the dressing change using simple rating scales.
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 or personal smartphone with self-selected content
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to make burn dressing changes less painful and anxiety-provoking.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial (99 people) that hasn't started yet. The effect may be small or not work for everyone, and results may not apply to more severe burns.
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 99 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Mar 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 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 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * Patients aged 18-65 years presenting to the burn outpatient clinic for dressing changes, Patients with second-degree burns involving ≤15% total body surface area (TBSA), Patients who are able to communicate verbally and in writing, Patients who have not used any pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions that may affect pain within the last 24 hours, Patients who provide informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with cognitive, auditory, or visual impairments that may interfere with study participation, Patients with burns located on the face or head that may prevent the use of VR equipment, Patients with any condition that may affect pain perception or the ability to complete study procedures.
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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
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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
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