Effect of Virtual Reality and Serious Games on Pain, Fear, Anxiety, and Satisfaction During Skin Prick Testing in Children

Children in the virtual reality (VR) group watched a 360° Ice Age video via headset starting three minutes before and continuing throughout the allergy test. The video, selected by pediatric experts, was age-appropriate, visually rich, and emotionally neutral. VR provided immersive distraction to reduce pain, fear, and anxiety. After the test, children and parents rated pain (WBFPS), fear (CFS), anxiety (CAS-S), and satisfaction through structured forms.

Children in the serious game group played Subway Surfers on a tablet starting three minutes before and continuing throughout the skin prick test. The game was chosen by pediatric experts for its age-appropriateness and ability to sustain attention without overstimulation. As a fast-paced, interactive tool, it served as an effective distraction to reduce pain, fear, and anxiety. After the procedure, children and parents rated pain (WBFPS), fear (CFS), anxiety (CAS-S), and satisfaction using structured feedback forms.