Using virtual reality to help Black women manage stress and blood pressure
Official title: Virtual Reality Intervention for Stress, Resilience, and Blood Pressure Management in Black Women
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10951121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a virtual reality program can help Black women manage stress and improve their blood pressure, focusing on the unique challenges they face, and it invites participants to try out the VR experience to see if it helps them feel better and sleep well.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $165,807 |
| NIH project number | 1K01HL175286-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black women aged 20 and older who experience stress and have hypertension or other cardiovascular disease risk markers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black women or those without significant stress or cardiovascular health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a virtual reality (VR) program can help Black women cope with stress and improve their blood pressure management. It focuses on the unique stressors faced by Black women, such as economic strain and racial discrimination, which contribute to higher rates of cardiovascular disease. The study will involve interviews and focus groups to understand resilience in this community and will pilot a VR intervention designed to provide therapeutic relief. Participants will engage with the VR program to assess its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving sleep health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel tool for Black women to manage stress and improve cardiovascular health.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality for stress management is gaining interest, this specific approach tailored to the unique experiences of Black women is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanc, Judite — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Blanc, Judite
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.