Using Virtual Reality to Reduce Preoperative Anxiety in Knee Surgery

Can Preoperative Information Via Virtual Reality Affect Patient's Anxiety? A Randomized Controlled Trial and Patient Interviews

Not applicable Interventional Zealand University Hospital · NCT06292663

This study tests if using Virtual Reality to give information can help reduce anxiety in people getting knee surgery and make them feel more prepared for the procedure.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment88 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorZealand University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Køge, Zealand)
Trial IDNCT06292663 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of using Virtual Reality (VR) to provide preoperative information to patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) under spinal anesthesia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either VR-based information or standard preoperative information. The study aims to assess whether VR can lower preoperative anxiety levels and improve patients' readiness for surgery, with pain scores also being collected for comparison. The trial addresses the significant issue of anxiety and dissatisfaction in patients undergoing TKA, aiming to enhance their surgical experience.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients who are claustrophobic, unable to wear a VR device, or have severe visual or auditory impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce preoperative anxiety and improve patient readiness for knee surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using VR for anxiety reduction in various medical settings, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled for total knee arthroplasty
* Scheduled for spinal anesthesia
* Age of 18 or above
* Ability to understand the trial protocol, risks, and benefits and provide signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to read and understand Danish
* Uncooperativeness (as judged by investigators)
* Claustrophobia or fear of small spaces
* Disorders that prevent the person from wearing a VR device
* Highly visually or auditive impaired

Where this trial is running

Køge, Zealand

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 AnxietySurgeryPainVirtual RealityVRDistractionNon-pharmacologicalTotal Knee Arthroplasty
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.