Virtual reality and music to ease breathing difficulty in ALS

Plain-English translation of NCT06021938 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether immersive virtual reality (a special headset that puts you in a 3D environment) and music therapy can help reduce the feeling of breathlessness in people with ALS who use non-invasive ventilation machines. Many ALS patients continue to feel short of breath even when their breathing machine is helping them, and this study explores whether these two approaches might provide additional relief.

People with ALS often experience persistent difficulty breathing that continues even when they're using a breathing machine. Current treatments don't fully solve this problem, so researchers are looking for supportive care options like virtual reality and music that might help ease this distressing symptom.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have been diagnosed with ALS confirmed by El Escorial criteria
you have had respiratory failure treated with a non-invasive breathing machine (NIV) for more than one month
you experience persistent shortness of breath at rest rated 3 or higher on a 0-10 scale
your condition has been stable for at least 4 weeks with no serious heart, lung, or neurological events requiring hospitalization
you are willing to give written informed consent

You likely don't qualify if…

you have other neurological conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, or stroke
you have been diagnosed with severe psychiatric illness such as severe depression or psychosis, or you are taking antipsychotic medications
you have fear of heights (acrophobia), enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), or sensitivity to light (photophobia)
you have significant hearing loss or vision problems that would prevent you from using the virtual reality headset or hearing audio clearly

What participation looks like

You will visit the hospital's day care facility for a single session lasting about 90 minutes. You'll try two 15-minute experiences that are spaced one hour apart: first you'll wear a virtual reality headset (GAMIDA®) with headphones to experience a guided 360-degree immersive environment, and then you'll listen to music of your choice through a smartphone app (or vice versa, depending on randomization). The study team will measure how your breathing discomfort changes using a simple questionnaire before and after each experience.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 1, 2026 · Not medical advice

Virtual reality and music to ease breathing difficulty in ALS

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)