Using virtual reality to reduce pain during colonoscopy

Effect of Virtual Reality (VR) on Pain Relieve During Colonoscopy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT06279481

This study tests if using virtual reality can help reduce pain and anxiety for people undergoing a colonoscopy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment98 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06279481 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of virtual reality (VR) technology in alleviating pain experienced during colonoscopy procedures. Patients will be randomly assigned to either a VR group, where they will engage in interactive gaming experiences, or a control group. Pain levels will be measured using the Visual Analogue Scale, while anxiety levels will be assessed before and after the procedure. The study aims to determine if VR can provide a nonpharmacological method for pain relief during this common medical procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 50 who can independently complete questionnaires and have stable vital signs.

Not a fit: Patients with severe vision or hearing impairments, or those with a history of mental health issues, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and anxiety for patients undergoing colonoscopy.

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

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Between 18 and 50 years of age
* Able to cooperate and complete the questionnaires independently
* Stable vital signs with no serious cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases
* Voluntary participation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severely impaired in vision or hearing to accommodate VR devices
* Previous history of anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, balance disorder, mental illness, or epilepsy

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

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 PainColonoscopy
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.