Published September 16, 2026, this randomized pilot enrolled 70 patients ages 12 to 18 undergoing surgery. The intervention paired real-time heart and breathing signals with an immersive breathing game; the active control used a digital pain-monitoring app. Sixty-five participants completed the study, including 30 in biofeedback VR and 35 controls.
What the researchers found Twenty-eight of 30 biofeedback VR completers said they would use it again. Six reported mild, transient adverse events, with none serious. Exploratory symptom reductions were measured only within the intervention group.
How to read the result The trial tested feasibility and acceptability, not comparative efficacy. It was not powered to show that biofeedback VR reduced pain or anxiety better than the control. Procedure diversity, a demanding schedule and first-generation technical problems also limit interpretation.
Why it matters The study offers practical lessons for a larger trial of an engaging respiratory self-regulation tool in perioperative care.
Source and disclosure Peer-reviewed randomized pilot; full text checked. NIH NCCIH supported the work. Three authors reported ForeVR intellectual-property, ownership or advisory interests under a conflict-management plan. Prepared with AI assistance and source-checked September 20, 2026.