Virtual Reality Improves Symptoms of Functional Dyspepsia: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled, Pilot Study
David J. Cangemi, Marilia Montenegro, Brennan R. Spiegel, Brian E. Lacy- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
Introduction:
We investigated the efficacy and safety of virtual reality (VR) for functional dyspepsia (FD).
Methods:
Patients were randomized 2:1 between active vs. sham VR. Symptoms were assessed using the Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) over 2-weeks.
Results:
Patients in the active VR group had greater numerical improvement in PAGI-SYM scores (mean difference -0.7; p<0.001) compared to sham VR (mean difference -0.4; p=0.032). Active VR led to significant improvements for all PAGI-SYM subscales, except lower abdominal pain, whereas sham only improved heartburn/regurgitation and nausea/vomiting. Half of the total patients reported non-serious adverse effects (AEs), though only 1 patient withdrew from the study due to AEs.
Conclusion:
Virtual reality is safe and results in significant symptom improvement in FD. Larger trials are warranted.