Effect of Virtual Reality Distraction Method on the Level of Salivary Cortisol in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder During Dental Treatment.

This study looked at whether virtual reality helps reduce stress in autistic children during dental visits. 19 children aged 8-15 had dental treatment twice - once with regular methods and once with VR. Researchers measured stress hormones in saliva and asked about pain and anxiety. Children had less stress, pain, and anxiety when using VR during dental treatment. This suggests VR could help make dental visits easier for autistic children.

This randomized crossover study examined virtual reality (VR) distraction effects on physiological stress responses in 19 children with autism spectrum disorder (ages 8-15) during routine dental treatments. Participants received both conventional behavior management and VR distraction across two visits. Salivary cortisol levels were measured at baseline, pre-treatment, and post-treatment intervals. Results showed statistically significant improvements in subjective pain ratings between groups and anxiety/behavior ratings between visits when VR was used.

Physiological stress markers (cortisol) were significantly reduced at pre-treatment and post-treatment intervals, particularly favoring VR distraction. The study suggests VR may be an effective behavior management technique for autistic children during dental procedures.

VR distraction shows promise as an effective behavior management tool for autistic children during dental procedures, reducing both subjective distress and objective stress markers. Clinicians may consider incorporating VR technology to improve dental care experiences for this population.

Small sample size of 19 participants limits generalizability. Crossover design may have carryover effects between visits. Age range (8-15 years) limits applicability to younger children. Study limited to routine, non-invasive dental procedures only.

To examine the effect of using Virtual Reality distraction on salivary cortisol levels in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) during routine dental treatments. A randomized cross-over study was designed and children with a known diagnosis of ASD, between 8 and 15 years of age, requiring routine, non-invasive dental treatments, were recruited. They were divided into 2 groups (group 1 and group 2) and scheduled for dental treatments using conventional behavior management and/or VR distraction techniques in their first and second dental visit, accordingly. Wong-Baker Faces pain rating scale, Venham's picture test and Frankl's behavior rating scale were administered at the end of each visit to assess subjective parameters of pain, anxiety, and behavior.

Salivary cortisol levels were estimated in all children at 3 intervals (baseline, pre-treatment, and post-treatment). 19 children completed the study protocol (group 1 = 10, group 2 = 9) and statistically significant changes were observed in subjective ratings of pain (between groups) and dental anxiety and behavior (between dental visits), in favor of when VR distraction was used. Statistically significant differences were noted in the physiologic stress of the children between dental visits at pre-treatment (in group 2), post-treatment (in both groups), and between the 2 groups at post-treatment (in visit 2), all in favor of VR distraction being used. VR distraction may be recommended as an effective behaviour management technique for children with ASD. CTRI/2018/05/013982 "Retrospectively Registered".