Virtual reality versus traditional relaxation to ease pain and improve sleep after hip or knee replacement
Comparison of the Effects of Virtual Reality-based and Traditional Relaxation Therapy on Postoperative Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients Undergoing Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
This will test whether relaxation using virtual reality or traditional relaxation works better to reduce pain and improve sleep in adults after hip or knee replacement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 82 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bartın Unıversity Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bartın, Center) |
| Trial ID | NCT07354542 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults who have had hip or knee replacement at Bartın State Hospital will be assigned to perform either virtual reality–based relaxation exercises or traditional relaxation exercises after surgery. Relaxation sessions are delivered using a participant's mobile phone or tablet for the VR group, while the control group follows standard relaxation techniques. Study staff will record patients' pain levels (Numerical Rating Scale) and measures of sleep quality during the postoperative recovery period. The trial excludes people with certain neurological, sensory, or psychiatric conditions and is limited to Turkish-speaking participants who can use a mobile device.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Turkish-speaking adults (18+) who had hip or knee replacement at the study hospital, currently report postoperative pain, receive routine analgesia, have no diagnosed mental, sleep, epileptic, vision, hearing, or speech disorders, are not nauseous, and own a smartphone or tablet.
Not a fit: Patients with communication barriers, sensory impairments, epilepsy, active nausea/vomiting, postoperative complications, non-Turkish speakers, or those admitted/treated at another center are unlikely to be eligible or receive benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, VR-based relaxation could offer a low-risk, easy-to-deliver way to reduce postoperative pain and improve sleep, helping patients recover more comfortably after hip or knee replacement.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in acute and procedural pain have shown promising results for VR reducing pain and promoting relaxation, but evidence is still emerging and not definitive for postoperative sleep after joint replacement.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Those who volunteered to participate in the research, * 18 years and older, * No diagnosed mental or sleep problems, epilepsy, or depression, * No vision, hearing, or speech problems, * Those who speak Turkish, * Knee and hip replacement surgery , * No active nausea or vomiting prior to the virtual reality application, * According to the Numerical Rating Scale, the patient reports pain. * Those receiving analgesia treatment according to clinical protocol, * Anyone who owns a mobile phone or tablet capable of playing videos, using any brand of internet provider, * Patients who had not previously practiced breathing exercises were included . Exclusion Criteria: * Having a problem that prevents communication, * Being admitted to the ward where the surgery and study were performed at another center, . Complications develop after knee and hip replacement surgery, * Nausea and vomiting may occur during the procedure. * Wanting to withdraw from the research, * Experiencing chronic pain.
Where this trial is running
Bartın, Center
- Bartın State Hospital — Bartın, Center, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Meltem Soydan, Nurse
- Email: meltemsoydannn@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 545 890 12 99
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.