Using virtual reality gaming to help kids with cancer exercise and practice mindfulness
Virtual Reality Gaming for Exercise and Mindfulness Among Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation Patients: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if a virtual reality gaming program can help kids with cancer exercise more and feel better mentally during their recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT06298357 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a virtual reality gaming program designed to promote exercise and mindfulness in pediatric patients undergoing cancer rehabilitation. The program lasts for 8 weeks and includes two groups: one that begins the program immediately while still in the hospital and another that starts 8 weeks after discharge. The aim is to assess the benefits of this innovative approach in improving the rehabilitation experience for young patients. Participants will engage with the virtual reality environment to enhance their physical activity and mental well-being.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children over 7 years old with a medical diagnosis of cancer or conditions requiring a stem cell transplant and a caregiver to assist them.
Not a fit: Patients who are completely blind or deaf, unable to use hand-held controllers, prone to motion sickness in virtual reality, or cannot communicate in English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the physical and mental health outcomes for children recovering from cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting pediatric cancer patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \>7 years of age * medical diagnosis of malignancy or non-malignant condition requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplant or a hospital stay that is anticipated to last for at least 2 weeks * a caregiver who can assist the child with the study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * complete blindness or deafness * inability to operate the hand-held controllers * susceptible to motion sickness in virtual reality * inability to communicate in English
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- Children's Hospital of Alabama — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Byron Lai, PhD
- Email: blai@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205.638.9790
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.