Using virtual reality (VR) to reduce fear of heights

Using virtual reality (VR) to reduce fear of heights: a parallel-group, randomised controlled trial of a virtual reality cognitive behavioural therapy based programme for fear of heights

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN11898283

Enrollment

100

Registered

2017-10-04

Start date

2017-11-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2018-08-20

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Fear of heights Mental and Behavioural Disorders

Interventions

Participants will be randomly allocated, stratified by fear of height severity and using randomised permuted blocks, to VR treatment or control (no treatment). The VR cognitive behavioural treatment f

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Adults (18+ years old) 2. Fear of heights (Heights Interpretation Questionnaire score of 30 or greater)

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Current psychological treatment for fear of heights 2. Unable to travel to research appointments 3. Photosensitive epilepsy 4. Lack of stereoscopic vision or balance problems

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Fear of heights, assessed using the Heights Interpretation Questionnaire (Steinman and Teachman, 2011) at 0, 2 (post-treatment), and 4 weeks (a fortnight after treatment ends)	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Fear of heights, assessed using the Acrophobia Questionnaire (AQ) (Cohen, 1977); Phobia Avoidance item 3 (IAPT, 2008) at 0, 2 (post-treatment), and 4 weeks (a fortnight after treatment ends)	—

Countries

United Kingdom

Contacts

Public ContactPolly Haselton

phaselton@oxfordvr.org+44 (0)7388 872 383

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Mar 6, 2026