Using Virtual Reality to Manage Acute Pain in Older Emergency Patients
Official title: Combination of Virtual Reality and Standard of Care Versus Standard of Care Alone for Acute Musculoskeletal Pain Management in Geriatric Emergency Department Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by Maimonides Medical Center · NCT06685107 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help older patients in the emergency room manage their acute pain better when combined with regular treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Maimonides Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brooklyn, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 18, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06685107 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are geriatric patients aged 65 and older presenting with acute musculoskeletal pain and a pain score of 4 or higher.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients requiring immediate pain control for urgent conditions or those with altered mental status or other specific exclusions 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 project aims to enhance pain management for geriatric patients experiencing acute musculoskeletal pain in the emergency department by evaluating the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as an adjunct to standard care. The study will involve a randomized clinical trial with approximately 200 participants aged 65 and older, who will be assigned to either receive standard care alone or standard care plus VR therapy. The primary outcome will focus on pain reduction, while secondary outcomes will assess the impact of VR on anxiety and stress levels. The trial will take place over a two-year period at Maimonides Medical Center.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and reduce anxiety for older patients in emergency settings.
How similar studies have gone: While VR has shown effectiveness in pain management for younger populations, its application in geriatric patients in emergency settings is relatively novel and lacks extensive prior data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age of 65+ * Emergency Medicine patients * non traumatic musculoskeletal painful condition * pain score of 4+ on the numeric rating scale * patient will warrant parenteral analgesia per treating physician * patient will have to be awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, and time. * comprehension of informed consent process and study related content * ability to complete assessments Exclusion Criteria: * painful syndrome requiring emergent and/or urgent pain control * altered mental status * unstable vital signs * history of recent epilepsy * seizure disorder * vertigo * active headache * nausea * motion sickness * dizziness
Where it's running
-
Maimonides Medical Center
Brooklyn, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sergey Motov, MD — Maimonides Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sergey Motov, MD
- Email: smotov@maimo.org
- Phone: 718-283-6000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.