Using Virtual Reality to Reduce Pain and Anxiety Before Spine Surgery

Virtual Reality as a Digital Premed to Alleviate Pain and Anxiety Preoperatively in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery

NA · Medical University of Lodz · NCT06917300

This study tests if using virtual reality can help reduce pain and anxiety for people getting ready for spine surgery compared to those who only get standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Lodz (other)
Locations1 site (Lodz, Łódź Voivodeship)
Trial IDNCT06917300 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research evaluates the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) as a preoperative intervention to alleviate pain and anxiety in patients undergoing complex spinal surgeries. The study compares the outcomes of patients who receive VR treatment alongside standard care to those who receive standard care alone. The hypothesis is that VR exposure will lead to reduced anxiety and pain levels both before and after surgery, potentially improving overall patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 25-70 who are scheduled for elective spinal surgery and can communicate in Polish.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical or psychiatric conditions, such as heart failure or cognitive impairments, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the preoperative experience and recovery for patients undergoing spine surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application in preoperative spine surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients between 25-70 years old, undergoing an elective spinal surgery.
* Patient's admission prior to surgery day (at least 1 day).
* Expected hospital stay - 2 days.
* Capable of providing informed consent and participate in the study follow-up questionnaire.
* Patients speak Polish.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Congestive heart failure, hypertension and anti-hypertensive medications
* Adrenal insufficiency
* Alcohol addiction (evaluated by CAGE/AUDIT) and substance addiction (evaluated by DUDIT)
* Cognitive impairment (evaluated by MMSE, MoCA)
* Cerebrovascular diseases, ophthalmological diseases (strabismus, diplopia, retina degeneration, glaucoma), neurological conditions (epilepsy or seizure, dementia, vertigo, dizziness, motion sickness) - evaluated by: history taking, examination, vision test (Ishihara test), Simulator Sickness Questionnaire
* Auditory impairment
* Psychiatric illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression) - (evaluated by MINI questionnaire)
* Patients with neuropathic pain
* Use of sedative drugs, anti-depressants, anxiolytics, and anti-epileptic drugs
* Intracranial functional lesions (patients after TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), cognitive or executive dysfunction)
* Patient with high risk due to major and emergency operations
* Claustrophobia
* GCS \< 15

Where this trial is running

Lodz, Łódź Voivodeship

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anxiety and Fear, Pain, Postoperative, Stress

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.