NCT07122843 · Christopher Almario
VR AI Meditation for Pain
What this study is about
This study aims to assess changes in pain and anxiety as reported by the Pain Numeric Rating Scale (PNRS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 6 (STAI-6), pre and post a guided meditation in Virtual reality. Objectives of the study are also to determine the feasibility, and patient acceptance of utilizing a LLM-generated guided meditation in VR.
View original scientific description
This study aims to assess changes in pain and anxiety as reported by the Pain Numeric Rating Scale (PNRS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 6 (STAI-6), pre and post a guided meditation in Virtual reality. Objectives of the study are also to determine the feasibility, and patient acceptance of utilizing a LLM-generated guided meditation in VR. Our goal is to learn about any limitations of our approach and provide a pathway for future improvements in creating a VR AI therapist that is optimally aligned with the needs of users.
Interventions
DEVICE
VR Guided Meditation
Patients will wear a VR headset for approximately 15 minutes. The headset fully covers the eyes, immersing users in a calming, 3D virtual environment. Once the headset is on, patients will engage in a guided meditation experience, set in a nature-themed scene of their choice; options include a lake, beach, mountains, desert, forest, space, and more. An AI-powered guide will lead the meditation, offering real-time, personalized support based on the patient's age and the pain-related information provided during the hospital intake process. The AI is designed to promote relaxation by helping patients focus, breathe deeply, and feel more at ease. The intervention will be standardized for all participants, with each receiving the same duration of exposure in the VR headset and access to an identical selection of nature scenes. The patients will fill our pre and post intervention pain and anxiety surveys. The pre and post surveys will take between 5-10 minutes each to complete.
Primary outcome measures
Pain Numeric Rating Scale Pre and Post VR Guided Meditation
Time frame: Pre VR Use (Baseline) and Post VR Use (after a 15 minutes experience in VR)
To evaluate impact to pain levels after VR guided meditation (1 time). We will use a validated pain survey and look at Pain Numeric Rating Scale (pre compared to post-VR).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18+ years of age
- Individuals who are admitted to CSMC and who have completed the Inpatient Pain Service Center intake form.
- Participants must speak one of the program's supported languages (currently English and Spanish)
- Minimum pain score of 4 out 10 on baseline pain survey
Exclusion criteria
- Unwilling and/or unable to participate
- Does not understand English or Spanish
- Self-reported history of severe motion sickness
- The presence of a facial/head deformity that will prohibit the wearing of a VR HMD
- Those that require corrective lenses -2.5 or stronger that cannot be corrected with contact lenses
- Legally deaf
- Having had a seizure in the past year
- Unable to understand the instructions or to consent to participation in the study
- Those who are pregnant
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 26, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations