The Effect of Virtual Reality Headset Use on Anxiety Levels During Urodynamic Testing: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study

Sibal N. S., Sibal I., Aksoy H. Z., Aydin H. R., Özoran Y., ŞEKERCİ Ç. A.

Urology, cilt.206, ss.48-55, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 206
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.urology.2025.08.002
  • Dergi Adı: Urology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, Gender Studies Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.48-55
  • Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective To evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR) headset use on anxiety levels in patients undergoing urodynamic testing. Methods A randomized controlled trial with pre-test and post-test design was conducted. Patients scheduled for urodynamic evaluation were randomly assigned to either the VR group or the control group. The VR group watched pre-recorded 360° nature videos during the procedure, while the control group underwent the standard procedure. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI I-II) before and after the procedure. Results A total of 86 participants were included in the study, with 43 in the VR group and 43 in the control group . The mean age was 52 ± 13 years. Both groups showed a significant reduction in anxiety post-procedure ( P = .001). However, the decrease in STAI Form I scores was significantly greater in the VR group (15 ± 10) compared to the control group (7 ± 10) ( P = .001). Additionally, 65% of VR users stated they would prefer using the headset in future procedures, and 72% would recommend it to others. Conclusion VR application significantly reduced anxiety levels in patients undergoing urodynamic testing. Given its ease of use, affordability, and positive patient feedback, VR represents a promising non-pharmacological intervention for improving patient comfort during invasive urological procedures. Further studies are needed to explore its potential impact on urodynamic findings. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06905665.