CompletedNot Applicable

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Psychotherapy and Yoga on Student Performance Anxiety

Romania55 participantsStarted 2024-09-15

Plain-language summary

The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to compare two non-pharmacological interventions-Virtual Reality (VR) and Yoga techniques-in reducing performance anxiety in students aged 16-35. Performance anxiety, commonly experienced during public speaking and examinations, affects academic performance and well-being. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the VR-based guided meditation intervention reduce performance anxiety more effectively than Yoga-based relaxation techniques? Do participants experience better emotional regulation and improved quality of life with either intervention? Researchers will compare the VR intervention group to the Yoga intervention group to determine which intervention better alleviates anxiety symptoms and fosters improved emotional regulation during school performance. Participants will: Attend six to ten sessions of either VR-based guided meditation or Yoga-based relaxation over a period of four weeks. Complete questionnaires to assess their anxiety levels, emotional regulation, and quality of life before and after the intervention.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 35 years; * Currently enrolled university students or recent graduates (within the last 2 years) pursuing further studies (e.g., Master's or PhD) in the same area of expertise; * Mild to moderate levels of trait anxiety as measured by validated psychological inventories (e.g., STAI-Y1); Able to fully understand study procedures; * No prior exposure to the specific interventions being tested (i.e., Virtual Reality Psychotherapy or Yoga interventions); * Able to provide informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * History of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder); * Currently receiving psychiatric or psychological treatment, including ongoing psychotropic medication; * History of adverse reactions to Virtual Reality technology (e.g., motion sickness, dizziness, allergy to headset and controllers materials); * Significant physical limitations preventing participation in yoga exercises; * Pregnant individuals, due to physical limitations related to yoga and potential psychological sensitivity to Virtual Reality; * Individuals not fluent in Romanian and English, as the interventions and assessments will be conducted in Romanian, with the Virtual Reality intervention partly in English.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Trait Anxiety Reduction

Timeframe: Measured 1 day before the first intervention session and within 1 day after the final intervention session of the program and also after major events such as faculty exams.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06639841

SponsorGrigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-07-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Performance Anxiety trials