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ArthropathyNCT07386561

Virtual Reality Therapy and Non-Sleep Deep Rest Relaxation After Joint Arthroplasty

A study testing Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy, Non-Sleep Deep Rest Relaxation and Conventional rehabilitation in people with Arthropathy and Osteoarthritis, Hip, run by Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences at 1 site in Poland.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Virtual Reality therapy (VR therapy), Non-Sleep Deep Rest relaxation (NSDR relaxation) each delivered as an adjunct to standard postoperative rehabilitation, in older adults following hip or knee arthroplasty, focusing on reducing psychological stress and… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 60 to 85 years
What is being tested?
Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy, Non-Sleep Deep Rest Relaxation and Conventional rehabilitation
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
90 participants
Where
1 sitePoland
Study dates
21 Nov 2025to 30 Jun 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 60 to 85 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Individuals aged 60 years and above who have recently (within the past 3 months) undergone knee or hip joint arthroplasty surgery.

Who cannot join

  • Hearing impairment preventing the use of audio recordings;
  • Cognitive impairment precluding independent completion of study questionnaires (MMSE <24);
  • History of disorders of consciousness, psychotic symptoms, bipolar disorder, or other severe psychiatric disorders;
  • Current use of psychoactive medications;
  • Ongoing psychiatric treatment or participation in individual psychological therapy;
  • Functional status precluding independent ambulation (e.g., wheelchair-bound or bedridden; use of orthopedic aids such as crutches or a walker is permitted);
  • Withdrawal of consent or refusal to participate at any stage of the study.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Poland1 site
  • St. Hedwig of Silesia Hospital in Trzebnica

    Trzebnica, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, 55-100

Other trials in Poland

About this study

Official title: Adjunctive Virtual Reality Therapy Versus Non-Sleep Deep Rest Relaxation During Postoperative Rehabilitation in Older Adults Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Virtual Reality therapy (VR therapy), Non-Sleep Deep Rest relaxation (NSDR relaxation) each delivered as an adjunct to standard postoperative rehabilitation, in older adults following hip or knee arthroplasty, focusing on reducing psychological stress and improving functional recovery.

Read the detailed description

Older adults undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty frequently experience psychological distress, including elevated stress and anxiety, which may reduce engagement in rehabilitation and limit functional recovery. This randomized clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of Virtual Reality therapy (VR therapy) and Non-Sleep Deep Rest relaxation (NSDR relaxation) each delivered as an adjunct to standard postoperative rehabilitation, in this population. Ninety participants aged 60-85 years, within three months post-arthroplasty, will be recruited from an inpatient rehabilitation unit and randomized to receive standard rehabilitation alone, standard rehabilitation plus VR therapy or standard rehabilitation plus NSDR relaxation over a four-week period. The VR therapy will consist of eight 20-minute session using VRTierOne medical device. NSDR relaxation will be delivered as eight 20-minute, audio-guided relaxation sessions (body scan and breathing exercises) via noise-cancelling headphones in a quiet environment. The primary outcome was psychological distress, assessed using the HADS total score at baseline and after the 4-week intervention. Both adjuncts are designed to be safe, well-tolerated, and feasible for clinical implementation. The findings are expected to clarify the comparative role of VR therapy and NSDR relaxation as low-risk adjunctive strategies to support psychological well-being and functional outcomes during post-arthroplasty rehabilitation.

Being tested
Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy, Non-Sleep Deep Rest Relaxation, Conventional rehabilitation
Keywords
virtual reality, arthroplasty, psychological outcomes, functional state, anxiety, stress, ortopedic rehabilitation, relaxation
Medical subject headings
Joint Diseases, Osteoarthritis, Hip, Osteoarthritis, Knee, Anxiety Disorders

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Immersive Virtual Reality TherapyDevice

    8 sessions of VR therapy over 4 weeks (each of them 20 minutes long). As a virtual reality source, VRTierOne device (Stolgraf®) were used. Thanks to using head mounted display and the phenomenon of total immersion VR therapy provides an intense visual, auditory and kinesthetic stimulation. It can have a calming and mood-improving effect or help the patients recognize their psychological resources and motivate to the rehabilitation process. In the virtual therapeutic garden there are a rich set of symbols and metaphors based on Ericksonian Psychotherapy approach. The most important is the Garden of Revival which symbolizes the patient's health. It used to be full of life and energy, now it is neglected, requires work to be revived. In the therapeutic process day by day, the therapist tells the patient a symbolic story about his/her situation.

  • Non-Sleep Deep Rest RelaxationBehavioural

    The experimental group will receive eight sessions of audio recording based on the Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) concept during the 4-week rehabilitation program. Each 20-minute session is conducted in a quiet setting using noisecancelling headphones. The recording guides patients through a structured body scan, directing attention sequentially to specific body regions and prompting active muscle relaxation. Body scanning is combined with mindful breathing to deepen relaxation and attenuate sympathetic nervous system activity. Therapeutic suggestions focus on reframing overload versus relief, letting go versus holding on, and balancing action with awareness. The intervention aims to enhance psychological resilience and support the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system. The protocol is non-invasive, safe, and feasible for routine clinical use.

  • Conventional rehabilitationBehavioural

    Conventional rehabilitation follows standard postoperative protocols after hip or knee arthroplasty. The 4-week program includes five weekly sessions. Gait training is conducted in hospital corridors under physiotherapist supervision, using assistive devices as needed (crutches, walkers). Daily therapy includes 120 minutes of kinesiotherapy (general exercises and gait training), 30 minutes of ergotherapy to improve functional independence, and three individualized physical therapy procedures (laser therapy, magnetic therapy, or electrotherapy) tailored to patient needs.

Study groups in NCT07386561
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy GroupExperimentalConventional orthopedic rehabilitation supplemented by VR therapy
Receives: Device: Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy; Behavioral: Conventional rehabilitation
NSDR GroupExperimentalConventional orthopedic rehabilitation supplemented by non-sleep deep rest relaxation
Receives: Behavioral: Non-Sleep Deep Rest Relaxation; Behavioral: Conventional rehabilitation
Conventional Rehabilitation GroupActive comparatorConventional orthopedic rehabilitation
Receives: Behavioral: Conventional rehabilitation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) Total Score at 4 Weeks

    The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a 14-item instrument assessing anxiety and depression symptoms in hospital patients. Each item is scored from 0 to 3, with total scores ranging from 0 to 42. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

Secondary outcomes (13)
  1. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) Score at 4 Weeks

    The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) is a 7-item instrument assessing anxiety symptoms in hospital patients. Each item is scored from 0 to 3, with total scores ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety symptom severity.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  2. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression subscale (HADS-D)

    The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - Depression subscale (HADS-D) is a 7-item instrument assessing depressive symptoms in hospital patients. Each item is scored from 0 to 3, with total scores ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate greater depressive symptom severity.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  3. Modified Rivermead Motor Assessment - Gross Function (RMA-GF) Score at 4 Weeks

    The Gross Function section of the Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA-GF) evaluates gross motor mobility, including transfers, standing, walking, and stair negotiation. A modified 11-item version was used. The 10-meter running and jumping items from the original 13-item scale were excluded because these activities were not considered appropriate during early rehabilitation following total hip or knee arthroplasty. Each task was scored as completed (1 point) or not completed (0 points), resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 11. Higher scores indicate better functional mobility.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  4. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) Score at 4 Weeks

    The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) combines assessments of balance, gait speed, and chair stand tests, with composite scores ranging from 0 (worst) to 12 (best). Higher scores indicate better physical function.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  5. Barthel Index Score at 4 Weeks

    The Barthel Index assesses independence in activities of daily living (ADL), with scores ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores represent greater functional independence.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  6. Tinetti's Short Scale Score at 4 Weeks

    Tinetti's Short Scale assesses fall risk through evaluation of gait and balance over five tasks. Scores range from 0 to 15, with higher scores indicating better functional mobility.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  7. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Score at 4 Weeks

    The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess current pain intensity. Participants indicated their pain on a 100-mm horizontal line anchored by "no pain" at 0 mm and "worst pain imaginable" at 100 mm. The recorded values were transformed to a 0-10 scale for analysis, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  8. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) Score at 4 Weeks

    The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) is a 10-item scale measuring perceived stress over the past month. Scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores reflecting greater perceived stress.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  9. Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) Score at 4 Weeks

    The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) is a 10-item measure of general self-efficacy, meaning a person's broad belief in their ability to cope with difficult demands and handle challenges. Items are rated on a 4-point scale and summed to a total score ranging from 10 to 40. Higher scores reflect greater generalized self-efficacy.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  10. Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) Score at 4 Weeks

    The Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) is a 27-item measure of perceived stress, with scores ranging from 21 to 105. Higher scores reflect greater stress perception.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  11. Perception of Stress Questionnaire Emotional Tension Subscale Score at 4 Weeks

    The Emotional Tension subscale of the Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) consists of 7 items. Scores range from 7 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater emotional tension.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  12. Perception of Stress Questionnaire External Stress Subscale Score at 4 Weeks

    The External Stress subscale of the Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) consists of 7 items. Scores range from 7 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater stress associated with external demands and circumstances.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

  13. Perception of Stress Questionnaire Intrapsychic Stress Subscale Score at 4 Weeks

    The Intrapsychic Stress subscale of the Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) consists of 7 items. Scores range from 7 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater intrapsychic stress.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Feb 2026
  2. Study start21 Nov 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Jun 2026
  4. Study completion30 Jun 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
90 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07386561
Sponsor's protocol ID
KE-U/108/2025
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
26 Jan 2026
Last updated
3 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy, Non-Sleep Deep Rest Relaxation and Conventional rehabilitation in people with Arthropathy and Osteoarthritis, Hip, run by Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences at 1 site in Poland.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) Total Score at 4 Weeks (time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Aug 2026.

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