Using virtual reality to help manage irritable bowel syndrome symptoms
Official title: Clinical Impact and Feasibility of Virtual Reality (VR) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing VR Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Sham VR
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11140550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a virtual reality program that offers therapy can help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) manage their tummy pain and feel better overall, making it a convenient option for those who might not have easy access to traditional therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $334,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK140676-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome who experience chronic abdominal pain and seek alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with IBS who are already receiving effective treatment or those who do not have access to VR technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) program that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study compares this VR CBT approach to a sham VR experience to determine its clinical impact and feasibility. Patients will engage with a self-administered, home-based VR program over an 8-week period, aiming to help them manage chronic abdominal pain and improve their quality of life. The research addresses the shortage of CBT-trained clinicians by providing an accessible alternative for IBS management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel, effective, and accessible treatment option for patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for IBS, but the use of virtual reality as a delivery method is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Almario, Christopher V — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Almario, Christopher V
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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.