Using virtual reality to reduce pain during infusion procedures

The Effect of Virtual Reality Experience on Infusion-related Pain With Lumbar Epidural Catheterization: A Prospective, Randomized Comparative Study.

Not applicable Interventional Seoul National University · NCT04490603

This study tests if using virtual reality can help people with chronic low back pain feel less pain during infusion procedures.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT04490603 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of virtual reality experiences on alleviating infusion-related pain in patients undergoing lumbar epidural catheterization. It targets individuals with chronic low back pain, who often experience acute pain during pain-relieving interventions. The study employs a prospective randomized design to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality as a countermeasure against procedure-related pain. Participants will be monitored to assess pain levels and overall experience during the infusion process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 20 with chronic low back pain lasting more than 3 months due to spinal stenosis or lumbar disc disease.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to lumbar catheterization, significant sensory impairments, or cognitive difficulties may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce acute pain during chronic pain treatments, improving patient comfort and satisfaction.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain management, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: If all of the following conditions are met

* A person with chronic low back pain that lasts more than 3 months due to spinal stenosis or lumbar disc disease.
* Adults over 20
* Those who decided to participate out of his/her own free will and signed in written consent

Exclusion Criteria: If the patient meets one or more of the following criteria, He or She cannot participate this clinical trial.

* In case of contraindication to general lumbar catheterization (e.g. coatulopathy, infection, etc)
* Hearing and vision impairments
* Affective disorder
* History of epilepsy or seizure
* If communication is not possible due to impaired cognitive ability
* Those who have been deemed inappropriate by the researchers

Where this trial is running

Seoul

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 Virtual Reality
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.