Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how combining virtual reality games with physical therapy exercises can help manage chronic pain in the head, neck, or upper limbs. Participants will attend six weekly sessions to perform specific exercises and play VR games designed to improve movement and reduce pain. The trial is open to individuals aged 7-21 who have visited a pediatric chronic pain clinic and have conditions such as migraines or chronic joint pain in the upper body. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatments that could enhance quality of life.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that virtual reality gaming is safe for chronic pain management?
Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) is generally safe and well-tolerated for treating chronic pain. Studies have found VR to be a non-drug option with very few unwanted side effects. For instance, VR games designed to help with pain and anxiety proved safe and effective for patients aged 10 to 21. Most people experience only minor side effects, making VR a promising choice for pain management.
Physical therapy exercises, commonly used to treat various conditions, are also considered safe. They improve movement and reduce pain without major side effects. Overall, both VR and physical therapy maintain a good safety record for managing chronic pain.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) for chronic pain because it offers a new way to manage pain without relying on medication. Unlike traditional treatments like painkillers or physical therapy alone, VR provides an immersive experience that can distract patients from their pain and potentially retrain their brain's response to pain signals. The combination of physical therapy exercises with VR gaming can make therapy more engaging and enjoyable, which might improve adherence and outcomes for patients who struggle with long-term chronic pain.
What evidence suggests that virtual reality gaming and physical therapy exercises could be effective for chronic pain?
Studies have shown that virtual reality (VR) can help manage chronic pain. Research has found that VR games can reduce pain and anxiety in patients aged 10 to 21. Another study showed that VR treatments can lower pain levels. These therapies have proven effective for various types of pain, including fibromyalgia and phantom pain. The evidence supports VR as a promising tool for improving pain management and quality of care. In this trial, participants will engage in a combination of physical therapy exercises and VR gaming to evaluate their combined effectiveness in managing chronic pain.14678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Elizabeth A Pickle, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children and young adults aged 7 to 21 who have ongoing pain in their head, neck, or arms. Participants should be able to attend weekly sessions and follow instructions during activities.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in physical therapy exercises and use virtual reality games during 6 once-weekly sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Physical therapy exercises
- Virtual reality gaming
Trial Overview
The study tests whether using virtual reality games along with physical therapy exercises can help manage chronic pain. All participants will do both VR gaming focused on movement and standard physical therapy over six weekly sessions.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Elizabeth Pickle
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Virtual Reality Applications in Chronic Pain Management - PMC
Evidence has been found for the effects of VR on pain, functioning, mobility, functional capacity, psychological outcomes, quality of life, neuropsychological ...
2.
scientificarchives.com
scientificarchives.com/article/virtual-reality-in-chronic-pain-rehabilitation-a-systematic-reviewVirtual Reality in Chronic Pain Rehabilitation: A Systematic ...
VR interventions are efficacious complementary methods for managing chronic pain, increasing the quality of care, and potentially reducing drug intake.
VR Gaming as a Tool for Pain Relief
Researchers found that a virtual reality (VR) game designed to manage pain and reduce anxiety proved successful among a group of patients aged 10 to 21.
The effect of virtual reality interventions on reducing pain ...
Our results highlight that VR interventions, on a global scale, lead to an improvement in pain-related variables, particularly in reducing pain intensity.
Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness for Chronic Pain ...
This scoping review found limited evidence that suggests VR based mindfulness interventions improve self-management of chronic pain.
Virtual reality as a treatment for chronic musculoskeletal ...
Safety and adverse events VR is generally considered a safe non-pharmacological alternative with very few adverse events (AE) [48] Google Scholar
Virtual reality for chronic pain relief
Virtual reality is being studied as a therapy for people with chronic pain. It immerses people in calming three-dimensional environments and ...
Can we safely manage pain using virtual reality (VR)?
And, as long as the VR analgesic effect seems to be transient, how it can be safely used for persistent pain remains uncertain.
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