Virtual Reality for Juvenile Arthritis

Age: < 18
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Nationwide Children's Hospital
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how virtual reality (VR) can help manage pain and anxiety for children with juvenile arthritis during joint injections. The researchers aim to determine if using VR, specifically through the VR-PAT system, can make these medical visits less stressful and more comfortable. Children dealing with juvenile arthritis who frequently need these injections might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative pain management solutions for children.

What prior data suggests that this virtual reality method is safe for juvenile arthritis patients?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can safely and effectively reduce pain and anxiety in children during medical procedures. For instance, studies have found that children using VR report significantly lower levels of pain and fear, and parents express greater satisfaction with the experience.

Virtual reality has been used in various medical settings and is generally well-received by children. These studies have reported no serious side effects. Overall, the evidence supports VR as a safe choice for managing pain and anxiety in children.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for juvenile arthritis that often rely on medications such as NSAIDs or biologics to manage symptoms, VR-PAT offers an innovative, non-pharmacological approach. This virtual reality system is designed to be used during intra-articular glucocorticoid injections, aiming to provide distraction and reduce anxiety and pain during the procedure. Researchers are excited about VR-PAT because it could enhance patient comfort without relying on additional medication, making it a promising complementary tool in the management of juvenile arthritis.

What evidence suggests that virtual reality is effective for managing pain and anxiety in juvenile arthritis?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) effectively aids in both short-term and long-term pain relief. Approximately 45% of studies reported a significant decrease in pain with VR use. Specifically, VR treatments have demonstrated noticeable improvements in managing pain for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In this trial, participants will use the VR-PAT during intra-articular glucocorticoid injections, potentially reducing pain and anxiety in young patients. This suggests VR could be a valuable tool for children with juvenile arthritis, particularly during medical treatments.678910

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children and teens with juvenile arthritis who are scheduled to get steroid injections in their joints at a pediatric rheumatology clinic.

Inclusion Criteria

I am under 18 and have a legal guardian to give consent for my procedure.
I am 5 to 17 years old and getting a joint steroid injection at this clinic.
I am able to speak and communicate verbally.

Exclusion Criteria

Unable to communicate in English
I do not have any wounds that could affect the study procedures.
I do not have vision, hearing, or cognitive issues that would affect study participation.
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo intra-articular glucocorticoid injections with VR for pain and anxiety management

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants and caregivers complete pre-injection and post-injection surveys; staff provide feedback on VR feasibility

Immediately after treatment

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • VR-PAT

Trial Overview

The study is testing whether using virtual reality (VR) during joint steroid injections can help reduce pain and anxiety. Patients will use VR while getting their injection.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials
354
Recruited
5,228,000+

Citations

Chronic Pain in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is Reduced ...

Most studies demonstrated significant pain reduction with interventions such as online pain self-management and JIA education programs

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Physiotherapy ... - PMC

The combined approach of VR‐based gamification and conventional physiotherapy led to significant improvements in pain, functional range of hip joint movements, ...

Virtual Reality: An Effective Pain Treatment

VR is effective in treating pain — both acute pain and chronic pain. We had significant results for 45% of the studies and inconclusive results for about 5% to ...

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Physiotherapy ...

The combined approach of VR-based gamification and conventional physiotherapy led to significant improvements in pain, functional range of hip ...

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Physiotherapy ...

The combined approach of VR-based gamification and conventional physiotherapy led to significant improvements in pain, functional range of hip joint movements, ...

Validation of New Virtual Reality Treatment for Children ...

The purpose of this clinical study is to validate the effectiveness of the Vedea Amblyopia Therapy (VAT) as a treatment for children with lazy eye.

The Role of Virtual Reality in Enhancing Pediatric Therapy ...

The results were striking; children using immersive virtual reality reported significantly lower pain levels (beta = -0.78, p < 0.001) and anxiety (beta = -0. ...

(PDF) Experiences of living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objective The objective of this review was to investigate the available qualitative evidence to enhance understanding of the experiences of children and ...

Experiences, perspectives and expectations of adolescents ...

This study explored expectations and experiences of employment among young people with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the role of health ...

The effect of virtual reality versus standard‐of‐care treatment ...

Compared to the controls, the children in the IG reported significantly less pain and fear, while parental satisfaction was significantly higher ...