Virtual Reality Therapy to Improve Arthroplasty Outcomes
Official title: Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of Virtual Reality Immersive Therapy (VRIT) in Addition to Usual Care Compared to Usual Care in Patients Undergoing Joint Arthroplasty - VROOM Trial
Run by NHS Highland Research, Development and Innovation Organisation · NCT07872670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot test checks whether using virtual reality during the perioperative period helps knee or hip replacement patients feel better about their care and recover more easily.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | NHS Highland Research, Development and Innovation Organisation Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Inverness, Highlands) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07872670 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 and older undergoing elective hip or knee arthroplasty, fluent in English, with access to Wi‑Fi, and able to provide informed consent remotely.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to immersive VR, significant vision/hearing impairments, or those ineligible for participation may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a pilot feasibility trial to see if a virtual reality intervention can improve patient-reported outcomes after joint replacement surgery. Participants will use a VR headset with immersive, non-pharmacologic content designed to reduce pre- and postoperative anxiety and pain. The study will assess feasibility, adherence, and initial estimates of effect size to inform a future larger randomized trial. Interventions include the VR headset, blood sampling, and questionnaires to capture patient experiences and recovery metrics. The trial is conducted among NHS Highland patients undergoing elective hip or knee arthroplasty at the National Treatment Centre Highland.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, VR therapy could reduce perioperative anxiety and pain, potentially improving recovery and reducing opioid use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests VR can help reduce procedure-related anxiety and pain in some settings, but this exact perioperative arthroplasty application is exploratory and building evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * NHS Highland patients * Able to provide written informed consent (remotely) * ASA Grade 1 and 2 * Listed for elective surgery at NHSH NTC * Adults\>18 years undergoing joint arthroplasty surgery (hip and knee) will be included * Fluent in English * Able to receive and write emails * Willing to comply with study protocols/training * Access to Wi-Fi to undertake VRIT and complete questionnaires online Exclusion Criteria: * Not able to provide written informed consent * Considered unsuitable by Clinician (with reason) * Vision /hearing difficulties which preclude interaction with immersive environment * Unable or unwilling to comply with study procedures and activities * Participation in another interventional trial which undermines the scientific basis of the study * Have a history of alcohol or substance abuse or Parkinson's disease or Multiple Sclerosis or Labyrinthitis (Ménière's disease), history of seizures, motion sickness or dementia * Non NHS Highland patients * Photosensitive epilepsy * Patients with surgery scheduled for a Friday
Where it's running
-
National Treatment Centre - Highland
Inverness, Highlands, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Devjit Srivastava
- Email: dev.srivastava@nhs.scot
- Phone: +44 1463 705350
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.