Trial reportJMIR human factors2025
Immersive Virtual Reality eHealth Intervention to Reduce Anxiety and Depression in Pregnant Women: Randomized Controlled Trial.
Trial report in JMIR human factors, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT05756205 (A Randomized Controlled Low-intensity E-health Intervention by Midwives for Improving Mental Health in Pregnant Women), which is not on this map. Cited by 7 papers, 3 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
A Randomized Controlled Low-intensity E-health Intervention by Midwives for Improving Mental Health in Pregnant Women
Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 3 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Virtual Reality Interventions for Stress Reduction in the General Population: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Pooled it
- Virtual reality-based exercise interventions for the treatment of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.BMC psychiatry · 2026Pooled it
- The improvement effects and mechanisms of virtual reality training on depression: a systematic review from a neurotransmitter-plasticity dual-pathway perspective.Journal of global health · 2026Pooled it
- Efficacy of Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness Interventions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.JMIR XR and spatial computing · 2026Review
- Immersive metaverse art as a psychological intervention for depression and anxiety: a narrative review and multilevel model integrating engagement, cultural identity, and neurocognitive mechanisms.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Review
- A Narrative Review of Implementing Nonpharmacological Interventions for Antenatal Depression in Low Resource Settings With Implications for Palestine.Depression and anxiety · 2026Review
- Effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality intervention to reduce anxiety during pregnancy: a quasiexperimental single-group pre-post study.BMC pregnancy and childbirth · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundMental health during pregnancy is a critical factor influencing maternal and fetal outcomes. Anxiety and depression affect up to 30% of pregnant women, with significant consequences for maternal well-being and child development. Despite this, interventions during pregnancy remain limited, creating a need for innovative, accessible solutions.
objectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) eHealth intervention in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms in women during pregnancy.
methodsA 2-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted across 5 primary care centers in Catalonia, Spain, between October 2021 and May 2024. The study included pregnant women (N=70) aged ≥18 years with moderate anxiety and depression symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] scores: 9-12) at 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to an IVR intervention or standard care group. The intervention group engaged in daily 14-minute IVR mindfulness and relaxation sessions for 6 weeks. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the EPDS and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
resultsThe intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in EPDS scores, with a mean decrease from 11.32 (SD 0.96) to 7.25 (SD 1.32; P<.001), compared to an increase in the control group from 11.32 (SD 0.94) to 16.23 (SD 1.25; P<.001). Similarly, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores improved markedly in the intervention group (mean decrease from 57.94, SD 5.23 to 35.03, SD 6.12; coefficient -30.47, 95% CI -45.23 to -15.72; P<.001), while the control group experienced a nonsignificant increase (from 66.10, SD 5.89 to 72.91, SD 6.34; P=.68). High adherence rates were observed, with 79% (26/33) of participants completing ≥30 sessions. Participant satisfaction was high, with 87% (29/33) reporting being "very satisfied" with the intervention.
conclusionsThe IVR eHealth intervention significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, demonstrating its potential as an accessible and effective tool for mental health support during pregnancy. High adherence and satisfaction levels underscore its feasibility and acceptability. Future research should explore the long-term effects and scalability of IVR interventions in diverse settings.
trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05756205; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05756205. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s12912-023-01440-4.
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