The Effect of Virtual Reality During Urodynamics on Vital Signs, Anxiety, and Satisfaction

Background:

Urodynamic studies are essential diagnostic tools for evaluating lower urinary tract function. However, they often cause discomfort, pain, and anxiety, which may negatively affect patient experience and the accuracy of clinical results. Non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy and aromatherapy have been shown to reduce anxiety. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising new approach that provides immersive distraction and has demonstrated benefits in clinical care, but its use in urodynamic testing remains limited.

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of VR application during non-invasive urodynamics on:

Vital signs

Anxiety

Comfort

Patient satisfaction

Design and Setting:

Single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial. Location: Urology Outpatient Clinic, Ankara Etlik City Hospital. Study period: November 2025 - January 2026.

Participants:

Minimum 52 participants (26 per group).

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18-50, undergoing non-invasive urodynamics for the first time, voluntary participation.

Exclusion criteria

Previous urodynamics, antidepressant/anxiolytic use, communication problems, visual or balance disorders.

Randomization:

Block randomization (block size = 6).

Interventions:

VR Group: During uroflowmetry, participants will use VR goggles displaying a 360° visualization of a hygienic and spacious bathroom environment.

Control Group: Routine clinical practice only, with standard pre-procedure information.

Measurements and Tools:

Descriptive Characteristics Form

State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)

Vital Signs and Urodynamic Parameters Monitoring Form

Patient Satisfaction and Comfort Assessment (Visual Analog Scale, VAS)

VR Application Satisfaction Form

Data Collection and Analysis:

Assessments conducted before, during, and after urodynamics.

Statistical analyses with SPSS 21.0.

Normality tested with Kolmogorov-Smirnov.

Group comparisons with Independent Samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test.

Significance level: p < 0.05.

Ethics:

Approved by the Gülhane Research Ethics Committee. Institutional approval obtained. Written informed consent will be collected from all participants.

Expected Contribution:

This trial will provide evidence on the role of VR in reducing anxiety, improving comfort, and enhancing patient satisfaction during urodynamic procedures.

Inclusion criteria

• Being the first to undergo noninvasive urodynamics;
• Agreeing to participate in the study;
• Being between the ages of 30-50.

Exclusion criteria

• Having had a urodynamic test before;
• Being on antidepressants or anxiolytics;
• Having communication and cooperation problems;
• Having visual or balance disorders.