Comparative Evaluation of Virtual Reality versus Standard Nursing Care in Managing Pain and Fear during Lumbar Puncture Procedures: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Niger Postgrad Med JAug 17, 2026 (epub)
Amer M Kasim, Ahmed F Hassan
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in reducing pain and fear during lumbar punctures in 85 adults. The study found that VR significantly decreased mean pain scores from 7.54 to 2.49, while the control group experienced increased pain levels. Additionally, VR reduced fear across all assessed domains, enhancing patient satisfaction.
Key findings
- Mean pain scores in the VR group decreased from 7.54 to 2.49.
- Control group pain scores increased from 6.84 to 8.36.
- Direct fear scores dropped from 20.12 to 9.44 in the VR group.
- Avoidance behavior in the VR group decreased from 16.71 to 7.80.
Why it matters
Managing pain and anxiety during invasive procedures like lumbar punctures is crucial for improving patient experience and outcomes. This study suggests that VR can be an effective non-pharmacological approach to enhance patient comfort.