Virtual Reality Therapy for Chronic Pain

(PRVR Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Nicole Jehl, BS

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Psychosis, Seizure, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6-12 weeks

34 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The proposed research is a single arm feasibility trial of pain rehabilitation virtual reality (PRVR) aimed at measuring feasibility, acceptability and utility of VR as well as changes in physical function and fear for adolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The intervention includes standard physiotherapy treatment including functional goal setting and progressive exercise.

Research Team

Laura Simons, PhD

Principal Investigator

Stanford School of Medicine

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking adolescents aged 10 to 17 who suffer from chronic musculoskeletal pain, such as back or limb pain not caused by recent injuries like sprains or fractures. It's not suitable for those with significant cognitive impairments, serious medical or psychiatric conditions that could interfere, or issues that prevent safe use of VR (like seizures, facial injuries, visual or severe hearing impairments).

Inclusion Criteria

English Language Proficiency

I am between 10 and 17 years old.

I have ongoing muscle or joint pain not caused by a recent injury.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have any severe mental health issues that could affect my participation.

You have a condition that makes it difficult for you to use virtual reality, such as a history of seizures, facial injury, trouble seeing, or trouble hearing.

You have a serious problem with your thinking and memory, like a brain injury.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in pain rehabilitation virtual reality (PRVR) with standard physiotherapy treatment, including functional goal setting and progressive exercise, over 6-12 weeks.

6-12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Pain Rehabilitation Virtual Reality (PRVR)
• Standard Physiotherapy Rehabilitation (SPR)

Trial Overview The study tests the Pain Rehabilitation Virtual Reality (PRVR) program combined with standard physiotherapy treatments in young people. The goal is to see if VR can help improve physical function and reduce fear related to their chronic pain.

Participant Groups

Group I: Pain Rehabilitation Virtual Reality (PRVR) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will complete VR in PT to engage participants in a series of immersive games customized to align with individual PT needs delivered over \~6-12 weeks or until clinician believes the patient is done with treatment. Patients in the PRVR arm will be given a structured HEP to practice prescribed exercises at home with integrated VR activities. PRVR participants will be allocated a VR headset for use in PT sessions and with HEP. VR will supplement treatment and be used in session (either in-person or telehealth) and at home as part of their prescribed treatment homework.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Collaborator

Trials

508

Recruited

1,090,000+