Virtual Reality to Reduce Stress Among Nursing Students Before Final Exams (NCT07574203) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Virtual Reality to Reduce Stress Among Nursing Students Before Final Exams
Saudi Arabia50 participantsStarted 2025-07-25
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a brief virtual reality (VR) relaxation session can reduce pre-exam stress levels among undergraduate nursing students enrolled in nursing courses.
The participant population includes male and female nursing students, aged 20-26 years, who are preparing to take their final practical exam.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Does a 10-minute, self-selected VR relaxation session significantly reduce stress levels immediately before a high-stakes clinical exam?
2. Are certain types of virtual environments (e.g., beach, island, space, ocean) more effective than others in promoting relaxation?
Researchers will compare pre- and post-intervention stress scores to see if the VR experience results in a statistically significant reduction in perceived stress.
Participants will:
* Complete a brief pre-intervention stress survey (e.g., using a validated scale such as the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory).
* Explore several calming VR environments (e.g., tropical beaches, islands, deep ocean, space, savanna, and tourist destinations).
* Choose one preferred scene based on personal relaxation preference.
* Engage in a 10-minute immersive VR relaxation session.
* Complete a post-intervention stress survey to assess any changes.
Who can participate
Age range
20 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:
* Undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Critical Care Nursing course at the University of Bisha.
* Both male and female students aged 20 and above.
* Scheduled to take the final practical exam during the study period.
* Able and willing to provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of severe motion sickness, vertigo, or epilepsy triggered by visual stimuli.
* Current diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, major depressive disorder) that could interfere with participation.
* Visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments that prevent effective use of VR equipment.
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.
1This trial used virtual reality as a relaxation tool to help nursing students manage stress before exams — could a similar VR-based approach be something worth exploring for my own stress or anxiety, given what the results showed?
2Since this study has already been completed, would you be able to review the published findings with me so we can understand whether the VR intervention actually reduced perceived stress levels in a meaningful way?
3The trial focused specifically on nursing students facing exam pressure, so how well do you think those results might translate to my own situation, given that my stress may have different causes or intensity?
4Are there existing, non-experimental relaxation therapies — like mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, or guided imagery — that have a stronger evidence base I should consider before looking into VR-based options?
5If VR relaxation therapy seems like a reasonable fit for me, do you know of any ongoing trials or clinical programs that are currently enrolling participants, since this particular study is already completed?
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
1
Perceived Stress
Timeframe: Immediately before and immediately after the 10-minute VR session on the day of the final practical exam.