In line with the findings presented by Ilia Kleiner et al., expectant mothers undergoing labor induction with an extra-amniotic balloon catheter showcased lower visual analog scale (VAS) scores and experienced a notable decrease in anxiety through the application of virtual reality (VR) technology, as compared to those receiving conventional care. This randomized controlled trial was established to investigate the effectiveness of VR technology as a distraction technique in managing pain and anxiety levels among expectant mothers.

The study involved a total of 132 pregnant patients undergoing planned induction of labor with an extra-amniotic balloon catheter for obstetrical indications at term. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio (66 in each group), to either the VR group, which experienced a SootheVR All-In-One VR clip for pain and anxiety during the entire catheter insertion, or the control group, which received standard institutional care.

Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and maternal hemodynamic parameters were documented before, during, and post-insertion. Anxiety levels were examined with the aid of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale prior to and following the procedure. Recording of maternal satisfaction using VR technology was also done. The key endpoint assessed the alteration in VAS scores before and during extra-amniotic balloon catheter insertion, with the study designed to detect a 25% drop in the key endpoint. Secondary endpoints encompassed alterations in anxiety levels before and after insertion.

No significant differences between arms were witnessed in body mass index, gestational age at enrollment, indication for labor induction, age, preprocedural VAS score, or levels of anxiety. The major endpoint, indicating the modification in VAS score (maximal score during the procedure minus the initial score prior to the procedure), was substantially reduced in the VR arm compared to the control arm. Additionally, the VR arm demonstrated a better rate of anxiety mitigation, as indicated by the difference between preprocedure and postprocedure State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale, as illustrated in Table 1:

Patients in the VR group reported an exceptionally high overall satisfaction score of 94%. These findings suggest the potential of VR as an effective nonpharmacologic method with a very high satisfaction rate for improving the labor induction experience for expectant mothers.