Virtual reality and music effects on skin test discomfort: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of virtual reality and music on pain, anxiety, itching, and vital signs of children during a skin prick test and evaluation. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was divided into three groups: virtual reality (n = 30), music (n = 30), and control (n = 30). Anxiety, pain, vital signs, and itch were assessed. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics; pain, anxiety levels and vital signs, except pre-procedural heart rate (p > .05). The mean age of the groups was similar (p = .946). The gender ratios were similar amongst the groups (p = .585), with 53% of the children in the VR group as female, 47% of the children in the music group as female, and 60% of the children in the control group as female. The pain scores and respiration rates of the children in the Virtual reality group were lower than those in the music and control groups during the skin prick test (p < .05). Children in the Virtual reality and music group indicated decreased levels of anxiety, respiration rates, and itching at 5, 10, and 15 minutes of the skin prick test evaluation compared to the control group (p < .05). Conclusions: Virtual reality was found to be highly effective in reducing pain and respiratory rate during skin prick testing and in reducing heart rate after skin prick testing.