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

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

Not applicable Interventional University of Michigan · NCT06188793

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.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT06188793 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan

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 Inflammatory Bowel DiseasesVirtual realityInpatientPainBrain Gut Behavioral Treatment
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.