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Virtual reality reduces pain intensity and heart rate in pediatric patients with burnsVirtual Reality Reduces Pain for Children with Burn Injuries

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Key Takeaway
Consider using game-based VR as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce pain and heart rate in pediatric burn patients.

This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on pain intensity, heart rate, and oxygen saturation in 445 pediatric burn patients. The analysis indicates that VR intervention significantly reduced pain intensity compared to control groups (SMD = -1.21; 95% CI = -1.90 to -0.53, p =.0005). Furthermore, heart rate was significantly lower in the VR group (SMD = -3.13; 95% CI = -5.68 to -0.58, p =.02), while no significant difference was observed in oxygen saturation (p =.22).

A subgroup analysis suggested that game-based VR and single-session interventions resulted in significantly lower pain scores than nongame VR or multiple interventions. These findings suggest that specific modalities of VR may offer more effective analgesic effects for pediatric patients during burn care.

While the results indicate a positive association between VR and reduced physiological stress, the evidence is based on a meta-analysis of randomized trials. Clinical application should consider the specific type of VR intervention used to optimize pain management outcomes.

How this fits prior evidence

This finding addresses a gap in non-pharmacological management for pediatric burn patients by providing evidence that virtual reality (VR) reduces pain intensity and heart rate. While previous coverage noted that AI burn depth assessment is currently hypothesis-generating and not ready for clinical deployment, this meta-analysis provides evidence for an immediate behavioral intervention to manage acute pain during treatment.

A review of several studies looked at how virtual reality (VR) affects children with burn injuries. The researchers analyzed data from 445 pediatric patients to see if VR could help manage physical discomfort during treatment.

The results showed that children using VR had significantly lower pain scores compared to those who did not use it. Specifically, game-based VR and single-session programs were more effective at reducing pain than other types of VR setups. The study also found that heart rates were significantly lower in the group using virtual reality technology.

While the data shows a link between VR and less pain, it is important to note this was a meta-analysis of existing trials. No significant changes were found in oxygen saturation levels for these patients. Because this research focuses on specific types of digital interventions, talk to a medical professional to see if this technology is appropriate for a specific patient's care plan.

What this means for you:
Virtual reality may help reduce pain and heart rates in children with burns, especially when using game-based systems.

Common questions

Does virtual reality actually reduce pain for children with burns?

Yes, the study found that patients using virtual reality had significantly lower pain scores than those in the control group. Specifically, game-based VR and single-session interventions were more effective at reducing pain than non-game versions or multiple sessions.

How does virtual reality affect a child's heart rate during treatment?

The data showed that children using virtual reality technology had significantly lower heart rates compared to the control group. This suggests that VR may help keep patients calmer during their medical procedures.

Are there any side effects or risks reported with this method?

The study did not report any specific adverse events, serious incidents, or issues with how well the treatment was tolerated by the children. However, you should consult a doctor to determine if this is right for a specific child.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedAug 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on wound care in pediatric burn patients. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of VR technology on wound care in pediatric burn patients were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, China Biology Medicine, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to August 2025. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS: A total of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 445 pediatric burn patients were included. The analysis demonstrated that the VR intervention group significantly reduced pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.90 to -0.53, p = .0005) and heart rate (SMD = -3.13, 95% CI = -5.68 to -0.58, p = .02) compared to the control group, while no significant difference was observed in oxygen saturation (SMD = 0.77, 95% CI = -0.47 to 2.00, p = .22). Subgroup analysis revealed that game-based VR and single-session interventions resulted in significantly lower pain intensity scores than nongame VR and multiple interventions (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality technology effectively reduces pain intensity and heart rate in pediatric burn patients, with game-based VR and single-session interventions demonstrating superior analgesic effects compared to nongame VR and multiple interventions.
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