Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 4 to 12

Using Virtual Reality to Help Kids During Cast Removal

Official title: A Randomized Control Trial of Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety During Pediatric Cast Removal

Run by Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare · NCT03903510 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if using Virtual Reality can help kids feel less pain and anxiety during cast removal compared to just using regular headphones.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages4 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
Enrollment184 (estimated)
SponsorGillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 21, 2019
Main results expectedSeptember 2021
Study endsSeptember 2021
Registry record updatedFebruary 11, 2021
Trial IDNCT03903510 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children who have sustained a fracture in their arm or leg and have no prior experience with cast removal.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of epilepsy, cognitive impairments, or motion sickness may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) as a distraction technique during the cast removal process for children with fractures. Conducted at a pediatric tertiary care center, it compares the experiences of children undergoing cast removal with VR to those using standard noise reduction headphones. The aim is to reduce pain and anxiety associated with the procedure by immersing children in a virtual environment. The study will gather data through questionnaires and monitoring of physiological responses to assess the impact of VR on the experience of cast removal.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and anxiety for children undergoing cast removal.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that Virtual Reality can effectively reduce anxiety in various medical procedures, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Sustained a fracture in their arm/leg
* No previous experience with a cast removal
* Must have at least one wrist free of immobilization (for heart rate monitor)
* Parents and patient are English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a history of epilepsy, ventricular shunt, motion sickness
* Patients with any history of cognitive, visual or hearing impairment

Where it's running

  • Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare
    Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.