Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using virtual reality to treat pain in hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Official title: Evaluation of a Virtual Reality-Directed Brain Gut Behavioral Treatment Inpatient Program for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Run by University of Michigan · NCT06188793 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if using virtual reality can help hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease manage their pain better and feel more comfortable during their treatment.

More Inflammatory Bowel Diseases trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Michigan
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 13, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedJuly 23, 2026
Trial IDNCT06188793 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are experiencing self-reported pain.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not report pain or have a short anticipated hospital stay of less than 72 hours 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 research explores the use of virtual reality-directed brain-gut behavioral therapy (BGBT) as a novel pain management approach for hospitalized patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of this treatment method, hypothesizing that at least 75% of participants will complete the program and find it a viable option for pain relief. By integrating VR technology into patient care, the study seeks to enhance the overall treatment experience for those dealing with IBD-related pain.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new, effective pain management option for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application for pain management in IBD patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and self-reported pain
* Hospitalized for management of IBD (inpatient medicine services at Michigan Medicine)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients that do not report pain
* Anticipated length of hospital stay is less than 72 hours
* Patients that have previously had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptoms linked to an epileptic condition
* Patients with binocular vision loss
* Patients with an uncontrolled cardiac condition such as an arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or neurological/cerebrovascular disease.
* Patients that are currently pregnant

Where it's running

  • University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, MD, MS — University of Michigan
  • Study coordinator: Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, MD, MS
  • Email: shcohen@med.umich.edu
  • Phone: 734-845-5735

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.