A recent pilot study indicates that virtual reality (VR) may offer a safe and effective method for alleviating symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD), a common disorder of gut-brain interaction affecting approximately 10% of the population. The study, conducted by researchers from Mayo Clinic in Florida and Cedars-Sinai Health System, was published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology and explores VR as a novel therapeutic approach for FD, for which there are currently no FDA-approved medications.
The study involved 40 adults diagnosed with FD according to Rome IV criteria. Participants were randomized into an active VR group (n = 29) and a sham VR group (n = 11). Both groups received identical-appearing headsets, but the active VR group's headsets were equipped with software delivering 3D immersive audiovisual programs designed to alleviate pain, while the sham VR group used headsets with 2D nature videos. Participants were instructed to use the headsets daily and complete questionnaires to assess their symptoms.
VR Intervention and Symptom Improvement
The primary outcome was the change in Patient Assessment of Gastrointestinal Disorders-Symptom Severity Index (PAGI-SYM) scores over a two-week period. While there was no statistically significant difference in improvement in PAGI-SYM and Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) quality of life scores between the active VR and sham VR groups, PAGI-SYM scores from the active VR group participants (mean difference = -0.7; P < 0.001) showed greater numerical improvement compared with scores from the sham VR group participants (mean difference = -0.4; P = 0.032).
Participants in the active VR group experienced significant improvements in all PAGI-SYM subscales, except for lower abdominal pain and bloating. In contrast, the sham VR group only showed improvements in heartburn/regurgitation and nausea/vomiting subscales. Half of all participants reported nonserious adverse effects, with only one patient withdrawing due to migraines.
Expert Commentary and Future Directions
"Although this is a small pilot study, our findings demonstrate that virtual reality can safely and effectively reduce symptoms of functional dyspepsia," said David J. Cangemi, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Florida and the publication's first author. He added, "Because there are currently no FDA-approved medications for FD, we desperately need novel, safe and effective treatment options for this common, frequently bothersome condition. We think that VR is particularly well suited to treat symptoms of DGBIs like functional dyspepsia, and we anticipate that VR will become more commonplace as a treatment for DGBIs moving forward."
To validate these initial findings, the researchers are planning larger and longer clinical trials. They also aim to assess the durability of the treatment response. A similar study is underway, utilizing improved VR software tailored specifically for functional dyspepsia, over an eight-week period, with a four-week follow-up to assess the durability of VR treatment.
