The Analgesic Effect of Extended Reality ( XR ) on Acute and Postoperative Pain in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors' conclusion
This meta-analysis found no significant analgesic effect of VR on acute or postoperative pain in children.
Study context
- Population
- Children (≤ 18 years) with acute or postoperative pain9 studies
- Comparison
- XR interventions vs standard care
- Outcome
- Self-reported pain
Methodological detailsexploratory meta-analysis
- Exploratory meta-analysis
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Self-reported pain (primary meta-analysis)
Moderate but nonsignificant effect in self-reported pain, SMD
−0.61
95% CI −1.58 to 0.36
Further pooled results
Observer-reported pain (secondary meta-analysis)
- Large but nonsignificant effect in observer-reported pain, SMD
- −1.04 (95% CI, −2.18 to 0.11)
- n = 6 studies
Original publication
The Analgesic Effect of Extended Reality ( XR ) on Acute and Postoperative Pain in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis. Paediatr Anaesth. Published 7 March 2026. doi:10.
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