Virtual Reality Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Through a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), the aim is to test the clinical impact and feasibility of a AI-enhanced Virtual Reality (VR) Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) program versus distraction VR among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anxiety. It is hypothesized that using VR/AI CBT may reduce anxiety and IBD symptoms, leading to improved overall physical, psychological, and social functioning when compared to distraction VR.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Brennan Spiegel, MD, MSHS
Principal Investigator
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
David Rubin, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Chicago
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) who also experience anxiety. Participants should be able to use virtual reality technology and meet any other basic health requirements set by the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo an 8-week VR/AI CBT program or distraction VR therapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- VR/AI CBT
Trial Overview
The study compares two types of virtual reality therapy: one uses AI-enhanced VR cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the other uses distraction-based VR. Patients are randomly assigned to either group to see which helps more with anxiety and IBD symptoms.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
The VR/AI CBT program will be delivered through the Meta Quest 2 device and is self-administered and includes a network of environments arranged in a virtual clinic that participants experience at home though a protocolized, 8-week program. Depending on the module, experiences within the program last between 10-20 minutes. Participants will be prompted to regularly use the headset each week over the 8-week study period. The VR modules are reinforced with regularly scheduled messages and CBT exercises delivered by a webapp that is available on any smartphone or computer. The program progressively builds new skills and culminates in transitioning from using VR to applying the skills learned in VR to everyday life.
Participants in the distraction VR group will receive the same Meta Quest 2 device but will only have access to a distraction-based VR therapy program that includes 2D nature videos (e.g., relaxing on a beach, swimming with dolphins). Similar to the VR/AI CBT arm, people in the distraction VR group will be prompted to regularly use the headset each week for the 8-week treatment period.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Brennan Spiegel
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborator
University of Chicago
Collaborator
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.