RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effectiveness of Medical Hypnosis in Virtual Reality on Preoperative Anxiety in Carpal Tunnel Surgery

This study is looking at whether using a special virtual reality (VR) headset for hypnosis can help reduce anxiety in adults before they have carpal tunnel surgery. Many people feel worried before an operation, especially outpatient ones where you go home the same day. This can affect how well you recover. Medical hypnosis has been shown to help people relax and manage fear. Now, with VR technology, hypnosis can be even more immersive and distracting, making it easier to feel calm. Researchers want to see if a VR headset called HypnoVR can make a difference for people having their first carpal tunnel operation, potentially leading to a better experience and quicker recovery.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Clinique MEGIVAL

Enrolment target

Start

08 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2027

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

What is this study about?

Imagine you're about to have a small operation, like carpal tunnel surgery, where you come in and go home on the same day. It's perfectly normal to feel a bit worried or anxious beforehand. This study is all about finding better ways to help people feel calmer and more relaxed before their surgery. When you're less anxious, it often means you have a better experience during the operation and even recover more smoothly afterwards.

Traditionally, some people use hypnosis to help them relax. Hypnosis is a gentle way to enter a relaxed state, allowing you to manage emotions and fears. Now, with advances in technology, virtual reality (VR) is being used to make this experience even more effective. A VR headset can transport you to a peaceful, immersive environment, helping you to feel distracted and calm down more easily. Think of it like taking a mini-holiday in your mind before your operation.

So, this research is specifically looking at whether using a special VR headset for hypnosis can successfully bring down anxiety levels in patients having their first carpal tunnel surgery. The goal is to see if this new approach can make your journey through surgery a more pleasant and less stressful one.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates VR hypnosis for pre-surgery anxiety.
It targets adults having their first carpal tunnel operation.
The aim is to help patients feel calmer before surgery.
VR hypnosis combines relaxation with immersive technology.
Reduced anxiety can lead to better surgical experience and recovery.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who are aged 18 years or older. You can be male or female to take part.

You would be considered for this study if you are having carpal tunnel surgery for the very first time. It's important that this isn't a repeat operation or that you've had carpal tunnel surgery before on either hand.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently being treated for anxiety, if you have uncontrolled epilepsy, or if you have severe eyesight or hearing problems that would stop you from using the virtual reality headset properly. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this study would not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Is this your very first carpal tunnel surgery, on either hand?
Are you NOT currently being treated for anxiety?
Do you NOT have uncontrolled epilepsy?
Can you see and hear well enough to use a VR headset?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main part of your involvement would be using the HypnoVR virtual reality headset before your carpal tunnel surgery. This will involve wearing the headset and being guided through a hypnosis session in a virtual environment. The researchers will then measure your anxiety levels, likely through some simple questionnaires, both before and after using the VR hypnosis, and potentially at other points related to your surgery. The exact number of visits won't be much more than your standard surgical appointments, as the VR session will typically happen on the day of your surgery. The total duration of your active involvement in the study would mainly be focused around the time of your operation.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer the benefit of feeling calmer and more relaxed before your surgery, which could improve your overall experience and recovery. As with any new treatment, there might be some minor risks, such as temporary dizziness or discomfort from wearing the VR headset, or the hypnosis simply not working for you. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Clinique MEGIVAL
Verified postcode
Saint-Aubin-sur-Scie, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is carpal tunnel surgery?

It's an operation to relieve pressure on a nerve in your wrist, often done when you have numbness, tingling, and pain in your hand.

What is medical hypnosis?

It's a way to enter a deep state of relaxation, guided by someone, to help manage feelings like fear or anxiety.

What is virtual reality (VR)?

It's a computer-generated 3D environment that you can experience using a special headset, making you feel like you're actually there.

Will I be fully awake during the hypnosis?

Yes, you will be aware and in control. Hypnosis is a state of focused relaxation, not unconsciousness.

Do I have to take part?

No, taking part is completely optional. Your decision will not affect your medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Marion Mandon, PhD

mmandon@vivalto-sante.com +33(0)6 78 27 76 72 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.