An interventional study of Virtual Reality Intervention and Standard Care in Liver Transplantation, Postoperative Pain and Fatigue, sponsored by Malatya Turgut Ozal University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-05-07.
Sponsored by Malatya Turgut Ozal University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality intervention on pain, fatigue and vital signs in patients during the early postoperative period after liver transplantation. Postoperative symptoms such as pain and fatigue may negatively affect recovery and patient comfort. Virtual reality has emerged as a non-pharmacological method that may help reduce these symptoms by providing distraction and relaxation.
A total of 84 patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received a 20-minute virtual reality session, while the control group received standard care. Pain, fatigue and vital signs were measured before and after the intervention.
This study aims to determine whether virtual reality can improve patient comfort and physiological stability and support recovery after liver transplantation.
This study was designed as a prospective, randomized controlled, single-blind trial to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality intervention on pain, fatigue, and vital signs in patients during the early postoperative period after liver transplantation.
Liver transplantation is a life-saving procedure; however, patients frequently experience postoperative symptoms such as pain and fatigue, which may negatively affect recovery, physiological stability, and overall patient comfort. Non-pharmacological interventions have gained increasing attention in recent years as supportive approaches to improve postoperative outcomes. Virtual reality is an emerging technology that provides immersive distraction and relaxation, potentially reducing symptom perception and enhancing patient well-being.
The study was conducted in the organ transplantation clinic of a university hospital between May 2025 and January 2026. A total of 84 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=42) or the control group (n=42) using a computer-based randomization method.
Patients in the experimental group received a 20-minute virtual reality intervention during the early postoperative period, while patients in the control group received standard care without additional intervention. Pain levels were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), fatigue levels were measured using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), and vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure were recorded. All measurements were obtained before the intervention and 15 minutes after the intervention.
The primary objective of the study was to determine the effect of virtual reality on fatigue levels. Secondary outcomes included pain and vital signs. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods, and statistical significance was set at p\<0.05.
This study aims to contribute to the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of virtual reality as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention and to support its integration into clinical practice to improve postoperative care in liver transplantation patients.
5,640 studies on the registry are indexed under Pain, Postoperative; 1,230 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 84 is above the median of 75 across 4,821 interventional studies indexed under Pain, Postoperative.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participants received a 20 minute virtual reality intervention during the early postoperative period following liver transplantation. The intervention was administered using a head mounted display and aimed to reduce fatigue and improve physiological parameters
Behavioral: Virtual Reality Intervention
Participants received routine postoperative care without any additional intervention
Other: Standard Care
A 20 minute immersive virtual reality session was administered using a headmounted display during the early postoperative period following liver transplantation.
Participants received routine postoperative care without any additional intervention
Change in fatigue severity
Change in fatigue severity measured using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) total score (range: 0-10; higher scores indicate greater fatigue)
Time frame: Baseline and 15 minutes after intervention
Change in pain intensity
Measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) (range: 0-10; higher scores indicate greater pain)
Time frame: Baseline and 15 minutes after intervention
Change in heart rate (beats per minute)
Change in heart rate measured in beats per minute (bpm). Heart rate was recorded as part of routine vital sign monitoring to evaluate the physiological response to the virtual reality intervention. Lower values may indicate improved relaxation and autonomic stability.
Time frame: Baseline and 15 minutes after intervention
Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure was recorded as part of routine vital sign monitoring to evaluate the cardiovascular response to the virtual reality intervention. Lower values may indicate improved physiological stability and relaxation.
Time frame: Baseline and 15 minutes after intervention
Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)
Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure was assessed as part of routine vital sign monitoring to evaluate the cardiovascular response to the intervention. Lower values may indicate improved physiological stability.
Time frame: Baseline and 15 minutes after intervention
Plan to share: No
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Malatya Turgut Ozal University