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Virtual Reality Therapy for Chronic Pain (PRVR Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Laura Simons, PhD

Research Sponsored by Stanford University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

10 to 17 years old

Musculoskeletal pain (e.g. localized [back, limb], diffuse) not due to acute trauma (e.g. active sprain or fracture)

Must not have

Significant medical or psychiatric problem that would interfere (e.g. psychosis, suicidality)

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up baseline to end of treatment at 6-8 weeks, on average

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will compare two types of physiotherapy treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain in adolescents: one that includes virtual reality and one that doesn't. The goal is to see if the VR treatment is more effective in improving physical function and reducing pain-related fear.

Who is the study for?

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).

What is being tested?

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.

What are the potential side effects?

While the trial does not specify side effects directly linked to PRVR, virtual reality may sometimes cause discomfort like dizziness, nausea, eye strain or headaches. Standard physiotherapy risks are minimal but can include muscle soreness.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am between 10 and 17 years old.

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

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ baseline to end of treatment at 6-8 weeks, on average

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~baseline to end of treatment at 6-8 weeks, on average

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline to end of treatment at 6-8 weeks, on average for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Utility of VR

Secondary study objectives

Pain-related Fear and Avoidance

Physical Function: Lower Extremity

Physical Function: Upper Extremity

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Pain Rehabilitation Virtual Reality (PRVR)Experimental Treatment1 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.

0 / 3Eligibility criteria met