34 Participants Needed

VR-Enhanced PMR for Post-Burn Symptoms

(VIBE Trial)

LN
Overseen ByLynn Nakad, PhD, RN
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University
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 explores whether progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), with and without virtual reality (VR) enhancement, can help manage symptoms such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep issues, and fatigue in burn injury survivors. Participants will try both standard PMR and VR-enhanced PMR to determine if VR enhances symptom relief. Individuals who have had a burn injury for at least six months and experience significant pain, itch, or sleep problems may be suitable for this study. Participants must have access to a smartphone or computer with internet and be comfortable using VR equipment. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative symptom management techniques.

What prior data suggests that VR-enhanced PMR is safe for burn survivors?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can be safe and helpful for people recovering from burns. Studies have found that VR can lower pain and anxiety levels and improve movement and daily tasks. Most importantly, VR helps patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during treatment.

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is also safe. This technique involves tightening and then relaxing different muscles to reduce stress and ease pain and anxiety.

While these studies suggest that both VR and PMR are safe, using them together as VR-enhanced PMR is still under investigation. Specific safety data for this combination might not yet be available, but both methods have been well-tolerated individually.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about VR-Enhanced Progressive Muscle Relaxation (VR-PMR) for post-burn symptoms because it combines the calming effects of traditional Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) with immersive virtual reality technology. Unlike standard PMR, which relies solely on physical relaxation techniques, VR-PMR engages multiple senses by placing patients in soothing virtual environments, potentially enhancing relaxation and stress relief. This innovative approach may offer more effective symptom management for burn survivors, making the recovery process smoother and more comfortable.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for post-burn symptoms?

This trial will compare Standard Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) with Virtual Reality-Enhanced Progressive Muscle Relaxation (VR-PMR) for post-burn symptoms. Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can reduce pain and improve movement in burn patients. VR treatments may also ease daily activities and enhance quality of life. Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) involves tightening and then relaxing muscles, which can alleviate stress and anxiety. By combining VR with PMR, the researchers aim to enhance the benefits of both, offering better relief from pain, itching, anxiety, and sleep problems for burn survivors.25678

Who Is on the Research Team?

SL

Sheera Lerman Zohar, PhD

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adult burn survivors experiencing chronic pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Participants will try two types of therapy at home: one with virtual reality (VR) and one without. They must be able to use VR equipment and commit to reporting their symptoms throughout the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Sustained a burn injury in the last 6 months or longer
I have severe insomnia, pain, or itching.
Own a smartphone or computer with reliable internet connection for online visits and survey completion
See 2 more

Exclusion Criteria

Uncorrected visual or hearing impairments as determined by self-report
Non-English speaker
Cognitive impairment (Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) < 25)
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete home-based sessions of VR-enhanced PMR and standard PMR

6 weeks
Home-based sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for symptom outcomes such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Standard Progressive Muscle Relaxation
  • Virtual Reality-Enhanced Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Trial Overview

The study tests if Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), enhanced by VR technology, can better manage chronic symptoms in burn survivors compared to standard PMR alone. It uses a crossover design where participants switch between VR-PMR and standard PMR to see which works best.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: VR-PMRExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: PMRActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Johns Hopkins University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
2,366
Recruited
15,160,000+

Citations

VR-PMR for Post-Burn Symptoms

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), delivered either alone or enhanced with virtual ...

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality ...

The objective of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of virtual-reality therapy for pain relief and the improvement of the range of joint movement

Virtual reality-based functional recovery in burn population

Our results showed that virtual reality can increase range of motion, enhanced ability for Self-Care (ADLs) and independence, improved quality ...

Virtual reality-based functional recovery in burn population

Our results showed that virtual reality can increase range of motion, enhanced ability for Self-Care (ADLs) and independence, improved ...

Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions on Pain ...

VR-based interventions, particularly immersive with psycho-cognitive approaches, show potential in reducing pain catastrophizing.

Virtual reality-based functional recovery in burn population

Our results showed that virtual reality can increase range of motion, enhanced ability for Self-Care (ADLs) and independence, improved quality of life in ...

(PDF) Virtual reality as an intervention for adult burn patients

VR decreased patients' pain. VR was shown to improve hand rehabilitation, anxiety and pulmonary functions.

Positive impact of virtual reality during wound debridement ...

VR technology created a sense of safety and relaxation, improving patient comfort during wound care.