Virtual reality versus in-person progressive muscle relaxation for pregnant people with preeclampsia
The Effect of Virtual Reality-Based and Face-to-Face Relaxation Programs on Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Preeclampsia
This trial will test whether virtual reality–guided progressive muscle relaxation or face-to-face progressive muscle relaxation better reduces stress and improves maternal and fetal outcomes in hospitalized pregnant people with preeclampsia at or after 26 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT06893510 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Hospitalized pregnant participants with a diagnosis of preeclampsia at gestational age ≥26 weeks are assigned to receive either virtual reality–based progressive muscle relaxation using a VR headset or face-to-face progressive muscle relaxation sessions. The interventions focus on standardized progressive muscle relaxation techniques delivered via VR or by a trained practitioner, with monitoring of maternal blood pressure, stress/anxiety measures, and fetal status. Key exclusions include multiple pregnancy, assisted reproductive conception, hearing/vision impairment, HELLP syndrome, eclampsia, fetal distress requiring emergency intervention, and history of vertigo. The study compares maternal and fetal clinical outcomes and tolerability of the VR intervention versus in-person delivery during the hospitalization period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Hospitalized pregnant individuals aged 18 or older with a singleton viable pregnancy diagnosed with preeclampsia at or beyond 26 weeks who are willing and able to participate and use a VR headset are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with HELLP syndrome, eclampsia, fetal distress requiring emergency care, multiple pregnancy, assisted reproductive pregnancies, significant hearing or vision impairment, or a history of vertigo (or who cannot tolerate VR) are unlikely to benefit from the interventions tested here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could offer a non-drug way to lower stress and blood pressure in preeclampsia and provide a scalable relaxation option that may improve short-term maternal and fetal outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Progressive muscle relaxation has reduced stress and blood pressure in prior studies, and VR-based relaxation has shown promise in other populations, but VR relaxation is not well tested specifically in preeclampsia.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hospitalized with a diagnosis of preeclampsia. * Gestational age ≥26 weeks. * 18 years or older. * Singleton and viable pregnancy. * Willing to participate in the study voluntarily. Exclusion Criteria: * Multiple pregnancy. * Pregnancy achieved through assisted reproductive technologies. * Hearing or vision impairment in the pregnant individual. * Fetal distress requiring emergency intervention. * HELLP Syndrome or Eclampsia. * History of vertigo. Withdrawal Criteria: * Cases where live birth does not occur. * Participants who voluntarily withdraw from the study. * Participants whose general health condition deteriorates during the intervention. * Participants experiencing side effects from virtual reality headset use (e.g., dizziness, nausea, headache). * Participants who do not practice progressive muscle relaxation at least once a week after the intervention.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ergül Aslan, Prof. Dr. — İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa
- Study coordinator: Güzin Ünlü Suvari, M.Sc.
- Email: guzin.unlu@ogr.iuc.edu.tr
- Phone: +902165004429
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.