Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Intervention on Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction in Laboring Women

This randomized, parallel-group interventional study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) intervention as supportive care during labor. The study will be conducted among laboring women admitted for childbirth who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a virtual reality intervention group or a control group receiving standard intrapartum care without additional intervention. Randomization will be performed using an appropriate allocation method to ensure comparable groups. Due to the nature of the intervention, this study will be conducted as an open-label trial.

Participants assigned to the VR intervention group will receive virtual reality-based supportive care during labor. The intervention involves the use of a head-mounted VR device providing immersive natural imagery and calming music, intended to promote relaxation and distraction from labor-related discomfort. The VR intervention will be administered during the active phase of labor according to the study protocol.

Participants in the control group will receive routine intrapartum care in accordance with standard clinical practice, without exposure to virtual reality or other additional supportive interventions beyond usual care.

The primary outcome of the study is labor pain intensity, assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during the active phase of labor. Secondary outcomes include maternal anxiety during labor, measured using the State subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), and childbirth satisfaction, assessed using the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) within 48 hours postpartum.

Outcome measures will be compared between the intervention and control groups to determine the effectiveness of the virtual reality intervention in reducing labor pain and anxiety and improving childbirth satisfaction.

Women meeting the following criteria were eligible for enrollment:

• Pregnant.
• Aged 18 years or older.
• Pregnant for more than 37 weeks.
• Single baby born in the cephalic presentation and willing to deliver naturally.
• Admitted to the hospital during the latent period.
• No major medical conditions or complications during pregnancy for either mother or baby.
• Able to hear, speak, read, and write Chinese.
• Interested in participating in this study and agreeing to complete the questionnaire.

Women meeting the above criteria will be enrolled after the researchers explain the research methods and objectives. Exclusion criteria include:

• Virtual reality sickness.
• Vision or hearing problems.
• Withdrawal from the study.
• Maternal or fetal condition requiring emergency cesarean section.
• Those diagnosed with migraine, epilepsy, or mental illness.