259 Participants Needed

Immersive Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain

RC
RM
Overseen ByRachel Massalee, MS
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial investigates using virtual reality to help people with chronic pain from Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). The VR experience aims to distract the brain from pain and may also trigger the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals. Researchers will compare the effects of real VR to see how effective it is. Virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly studied and used as a tool for pain management in various conditions, including chronic pain, procedural pain, and specific syndromes like complex regional pain syndrome and phantom limb pain.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, ADHD medication, non-over-the-counter painkillers, methadone, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and narcotics, if you have used them in the past 3 months.

Is immersive virtual reality safe for treating chronic pain?

Research on virtual reality for pain treatment shows it is generally safe, with few studies reporting side effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand any potential risks.12345

How does the immersive virtual reality treatment for chronic pain differ from other treatments?

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is unique because it offers a non-drug approach to managing chronic pain by using technology to create an engaging and interactive environment that can distract patients from their pain. Unlike traditional treatments, VR can provide immediate pain relief during and shortly after sessions, and it has shown promise in reducing pain intensity across various chronic pain conditions.34678

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Immersive Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain?

Research shows that virtual reality (VR) can help reduce chronic pain, with studies indicating improvements in pain-related outcomes for conditions like chronic back pain and phantom limb pain. VR therapy has been associated with significant pain reduction and improved overall functioning, suggesting it can be an effective non-drug treatment for managing chronic pain.34789

Who Is on the Research Team?

LC

Luana Colloca, MD/PhD/MS

Principal Investigator

University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking adults aged 18-88 with Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) for at least 3 months. Excluded are those with certain psychiatric conditions, recent substance abuse, pregnancy, color-blindness, severe facial trauma or motion sickness, and those on specific medications like antidepressants.

Inclusion Criteria

I have had jaw pain or dysfunction for at least 3 months.
I can speak and write in English.

Exclusion Criteria

I have not had any facial injuries in the last 6 weeks.
You have had very bad motion sickness in the past.
You have tested positive for illegal drugs like opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, and THC.
See 16 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo VR sessions and receive either naloxone or saline to assess VR-induced hypoalgesia

1 session lasting 2 to 3 hours
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Active Virtual Reality
  • sham Virtual Reality
Trial Overview The study explores how immersive virtual reality can manage chronic pain compared to placebo effects. It involves active VR treatment, sham VR (placebo), no intervention control groups, and the administration of Naloxone or Saline to understand pain mechanisms.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Placebo Group
Group I: Natural HistoryExperimental Treatment4 Interventions
Group II: NaloxoneActive Control4 Interventions
Group III: SalinePlacebo Group4 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Lead Sponsor

Trials
729
Recruited
540,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review of 46 studies involving 1456 participants found that virtual, augmented, or mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) technology improved pain-related outcomes in 78% of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for individuals with chronic pain.
Most positive effects were observed immediately or up to one month after treatment, highlighting the need for further RCTs to evaluate long-term benefits and accessibility for those facing pain management disparities.
Use and efficacy of virtual, augmented, or mixed reality technology for chronic pain: a systematic review.Matthie, NS., Giordano, NA., Jenerette, CM., et al.[2023]
In a study involving 30 participants with chronic pain, a virtual reality application called Cool! significantly reduced pain levels, with a 33% decrease from pre-session to post-session and a remarkable 60% reduction during the session.
All participants experienced some level of pain relief during the VR session, and 33% reported complete pain relief, suggesting that VR could be a promising non-opioid treatment option for chronic pain management.
The Impact of Virtual Reality on Chronic Pain.Jones, T., Moore, T., Choo, J.[2022]
A novel virtual reality neuroscience-based therapy (VRNT) significantly reduced pain intensity and interference in 31 participants with chronic back pain compared to usual care, with effects lasting for at least two weeks after treatment.
VRNT not only improved pain-related outcomes but also enhanced overall functioning by potentially altering brain networks associated with pain, as indicated by MRI findings showing changes in connectivity and white matter integrity.
The Effects of Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy on Clinical and Neuroimaging Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.Čeko, M., Baeuerle, T., Webster, L., et al.[2023]

Citations

Use and efficacy of virtual, augmented, or mixed reality technology for chronic pain: a systematic review. [2023]
The Impact of Virtual Reality on Chronic Pain. [2022]
The Effects of Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy on Clinical and Neuroimaging Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [2023]
The effect of interactive virtual reality on pain perception: a systematic review of clinical studies. [2021]
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions for Managing Chronic Pain on Pain Reduction, Anxiety, Depression and Mood: A Systematic Review. [2022]
[Use of Virtual Reality as a Component of Acute and Chronic Pain Treatment]. [2020]
The State of Science in the Use of Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain: A Systematic Scoping Review. [2023]
Virtual Reality as an Adjunct Home Therapy in Chronic Pain Management: An Exploratory Study. [2020]
The promise and challenge of virtual gaming technologies for chronic pain: the case of graded exposure for low back pain. [2015]
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