16 Participants Needed

Virtual Reality Gaming for Pediatric Cancer

BL
RY
Overseen ByRaven Young, BS
Age: Any Age
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 1
Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham
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 study will explore the potential benefits of a virtual reality gaming program that focuses on mindfulness and exercise among pediatric cancer rehabilitation patients. The program will last 8 weeks outside of the hospital. Participants will start immediately in the hospital (immediate start group) or wait 8 weeks after hospital discharge to start the program (waitlist control group).

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is virtual reality gaming safe for children, including those with cancer?

Research on virtual reality gaming, including studies on children with various conditions, suggests it is generally safe. For example, a pilot trial in critically ill children found virtual reality exercise to be a feasible and safe rehabilitation intervention.12345

How is the Virtual Reality Exercise and Mindfulness Gaming treatment different from other treatments for pediatric cancer?

This treatment is unique because it combines virtual reality gaming with exercise and mindfulness, providing an engaging way to improve physical coordination and reduce pain and anxiety in children with cancer. Unlike traditional treatments, it uses interactive simulations to create a motivating environment for active learning and rehabilitation.15678

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Virtual Reality Exercise and Mindfulness Gaming for pediatric cancer?

Research shows that virtual reality (VR) can help reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and pain in cancer patients, and it has been used successfully in pediatric rehabilitation for conditions like cerebral palsy. This suggests that VR could be beneficial for children with cancer by making rehabilitation more engaging and effective.6791011

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children undergoing cancer rehabilitation. They must be able to participate in virtual reality gaming and mindfulness exercises over an 8-week program, starting either immediately or after a wait period.

Inclusion Criteria

Presence of a caregiver who can assist the child with the study procedures
I am older than 7 years.
I need a stem cell transplant for my cancer or other serious illness.

Exclusion Criteria

Complete blindness or deafness
I cannot use hand-held controllers.
Susceptible to motion sickness in virtual reality
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Immediate Start Treatment

Participants start the virtual reality gaming program in the hospital and continue for 8 weeks after hospital discharge

8 weeks
Hospital start, then home-based

Waitlist Control Treatment

Participants wait 8 weeks after hospital discharge before starting the 8-week virtual reality gaming program

8 weeks
Home-based

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Virtual Reality Exercise and Mindfulness Gaming
Trial Overview The study tests if virtual reality games that focus on exercise and mindfulness can benefit kids recovering from cancer. It compares two groups: one starts the program right away, the other waits for 8 weeks before beginning.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Immediate StartExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Waitlist ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,677
Recruited
2,458,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review of six randomized controlled trials involving 379 pediatric cancer patients found that virtual reality (VR) significantly reduces pain, anxiety, and fear symptoms, indicating its efficacy as a supportive treatment.
The results showed a notable decrease in pain (mean difference of -4.82), anxiety (standardized mean difference of -1.47), and fear (mean difference of -1.25) when using VR, suggesting it can be a valuable tool in managing the psychological and physical discomfort of young cancer patients.
Virtual reality for pain and anxiety of pediatric oncology patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cheng, Z., Yu, S., Zhang, W., et al.[2022]
Virtual reality (VR) and interactive computer play have been effectively used in pediatric rehabilitation for over 15 years, providing engaging and realistic environments that promote active learning and motor practice.
These technologies enhance neuroplasticity and learning in children with neurological disorders by allowing for repetitive motor and sensory practice, which is crucial for recovery.
Role of virtual reality for cerebral palsy management.Weiss, PL., Tirosh, E., Fehlings, D.[2015]
The mobile game-based VR rehabilitation program (MoU-Rehab) significantly improved upper extremity function in stroke patients compared to conventional therapy, as measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and other metrics.
The program was well-tolerated with no adverse effects reported, and patients expressed high satisfaction, indicating its feasibility as a rehabilitation tool for upper limb recovery after ischemic stroke.
Mobile game-based virtual reality rehabilitation program for upper limb dysfunction after ischemic stroke.Choi, YH., Ku, J., Lim, H., et al.[2019]

Citations

Virtual reality for pain and anxiety of pediatric oncology patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2022]
Role of virtual reality for cerebral palsy management. [2015]
Mobile game-based virtual reality rehabilitation program for upper limb dysfunction after ischemic stroke. [2019]
Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions in Cancer-Related Symptom Management. [2020]
Effects of virtual reality on physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes in cancer rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]
Development and Reliability Evaluation of the Movement Rating Instrument for Virtual Reality Video Game Play. [2020]
Virtual reality and interactive digital game technology: new tools to address obesity and diabetes. [2021]
"Wii-Hab" in critically ill children: a pilot trial. [2022]
Acute Effects of Virtual Reality Exercise Biking on College Students' Physical Responses. [2023]
Active video gaming improves body coordination in survivors of childhood brain tumours. [2022]
Exergames: the role of ergonomics and design in helping to control childhood obesity through physical and functional exercise program. [2017]
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