Using virtual reality to reduce pain and improve satisfaction during knee nerve treatment
Official title: The Effect of Virtual Reality on Pain and Patient Satisfaction in Adults Receiving Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation
Run by University of California, Irvine · NCT05468398 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help people feel less pain and more satisfied during a knee nerve treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 67 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Irvine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Irvine, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05468398 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled to undergo genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who require sedation, have cognitive impairments, or experience 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 investigates the impact of virtual reality therapy (VRT) on pain management and patient satisfaction during the genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (GNRFA) procedure. By immersing patients in a virtual environment, the study aims to provide cognitive distraction from pain and anxiety associated with the procedure. The GNRFA is a minimally invasive treatment for knee pain that involves applying radiofrequency waves to specific nerves. The study will assess whether the use of VRT enhances the overall patient experience and reduces pain perception during the procedure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and patient satisfaction during knee treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain management, indicating potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18 or older * Patients Undergoing a genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation * Patients who have previously received nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation procedures may be included Exclusion Criteria: * Requiring sedation during procedure * Cognitive impairment or dementia * History of recent stroke, epilepsy, psychosis, or claustrophobia * Blindness or deafness * Refusal to use the headset * Isolation status for infection control * Motion sickness or active nausea/vomit * Pregnancy (Pregnancy testing point of care available for females of child bearing age)
Where it's running
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UC Irvine Gottschalk Medical Plaza
Irvine, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Navid Alem, MD — Faculty
- Study coordinator: Navid Alem, MD
- Email: alemn@uci.edu
- Phone: (949) 413-4950
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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.