Using Virtual Reality to Ease Pain and Anxiety During Kidney Stone Treatment

Virtual Reality: An Innovative Approach to Reduce Pain and Anxiety During Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Zealand University Hospital · NCT06616324

This study is testing if using virtual reality during kidney stone treatment can help reduce pain and anxiety for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorZealand University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roskilde)
Trial IDNCT06616324 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of intraprocedural Virtual Reality (VR) as a non-drug method to reduce pain and anxiety during Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). Participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR intervention group, where they will wear a VR headset and noise-cancelling headphones during the procedure, or a control group without VR. The study aims to measure pain levels, anxiety, patient satisfaction, and the need for analgesia, among other outcomes. By focusing patients' attention away from the procedure, the study hypothesizes that VR can enhance the overall experience and reduce discomfort.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for ESWL and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with claustrophobia, severe visual or auditory impairments, or those unable to understand Danish may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve patient comfort and satisfaction during kidney stone treatments, potentially reducing the need for pain medication.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using VR for pain and anxiety management in various medical procedures, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled for ESWL at Region Zealand
* Age of 18 or above
* Ability to understand the trial protocol, risks, and benefits and provide signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to read and understand Danish.
* Uncooperativeness (as judged by investigators)
* Claustrophobia or fear of small spaces
* Disorders that prevent the person from wearing a VR device
* Highly visually or auditive impaired

Where this trial is running

Roskilde

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnxietyPainVirtual RealityLithotripsyVRESWLExtracorporeal Shock Wave LithotripsyNon-pharmacological
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.