Virtual reality mediated deep breathing and relaxation training in pediatric and psychiatric care

The effect of virtual reality mediated deep breathing and relaxation training on stress and anxiety in child patients: a pilot trial

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN12712970

Enrollment

220

Registered

2025-05-23

Start date

2022-05-04

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2025-10-27

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

Conditions

Reduxing anxiety and stress in child patients Mental and Behavioural Disorders

Interventions

Current interventions as of 14/10/2025: The patients are allocated to either the intervention or the control group in numerical order. The intervention is virtual reality-mediated deep breathing or

one session per week in a 4-week period). During the exercise, heart rate variability is measured using a heart rate sensor belt ( a chest strap). The control condition is treatment as usual. _____

one session per week in a 4-week period). During the exercise, heart rate variability is measured using a heart rate sensor belt ( a chest strap). The control intervention is no treatment.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Child patients aged 8-17 years 2. Literate 3. Fluent in Finnish

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Unstable heart condition 2. Anatomical facial features preventing the use of the headset 3. Hearing impairment or cochlear implant 4. Vision impairment 5. Tendency for vertigo 6. Clinically unevaluated seizures 7. Epilepsy 8. Migraine 9. Bulimia nervosa 10. Relative exclusion criteria: motion sickness, underweight

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Heart rate variability measured using the virtual reality headset during the research situation	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Heart rate and user feedback measured using the virtual reality headset during the research situation	—

Countries

Finland

Contacts

Public ContactElina Karppa

elina.karppa@tuni.fi+358 44 57 44 826

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026