The goal of this clinical trial is to test a home-based virtual reality rehabilitation application in patients with chronic low back pain. The main question it aims to answer are: Is a prototype of a novel VR software application effective at reducing pain, improving daily function, improving range of motion, and reducing fear of movement in adult patients with chronic low back pain compared with a passive VR intervention? Participants in the treatment group will use the application daily for 20 minutes for a period of 3 weeks at home and unsupervised. Researchers will compare use of the VR application with a control group that watches 2D video to see if the treatment group have improved pain, disability, range of motion, and fear of movement.
This is a two-arm randomized parallel controlled trial designed to test a prototype of a VR software application that the investigators have developed for patients with chronic low back pain. The app contains (1) educational messages delivered by a virtual therapist, (2) gamified exercises in which the patient has to move to reach goals or avoid objects, (3) therapeutic exercises, in which patients perform difficult or feared movements, (4) relaxation/mindfulness. There will be two groups consisting of adult patients of both sexes with persistent low back pain. Patients (n = 100) will be randomly assigned to either an interventional VR treatment (n = 50) or a control treatment (n = 50). Patients in the VR intervention group will use the VR software application daily for a 20-minute training program. In the virtual reality application, they will be embodied into an avatar through congruent visuotactile and visuomotor stimulation (observed in first person) and will perform gamified movements and exercises for 15-20 minutes. These exercises will increase in difficulty for 3 weeks and will include educational and relaxation components. The control treatment will consist of a passive VR intervention in which the patient watches a TV show on a 2D screen but while wearing the virtual reality headset. They will be able to choose from three popular TV series with short episodes (20 minutes). The investigators will use validated outcome measures to assess changes in pain and function. These will be measured at baseline, after treatment (3 weeks), and at 1 month follow-up for both the treatment group and the control group. Both groups will be advised to continue their normal daily activities and routines, with no restrictions on activity or exercise, in addition to VR treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
100
VR software application containing education, exergames, therapeutic exercises and relaxation sections.
VR software application that plays 2D nature videos
IDIBAPS
Barcelona, Spain
RECRUITINGBrief Pain Inventory
Allows patients to rate the severity of their pain and the degree to which their pain interferes with common dimensions of feeling and function. Minimum score 0, maximum score 70, higher score = worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks
Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire
The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire is a self-reported measure consisting of 24 yes/no questions designed to assess functional disability related to back pain, with higher scores indicating greater disability. Minimum score 0, maximum score 24.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks
Short-Form 12
The Short-Form-12 is a widely used, short-form health survey consisting of 12 questions that assess physical and mental health functioning, providing a concise measure of overall health status. Scores above 50 represent better than average quality of life, below 50 represents worse than average quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks
Patient Global Impression of Change
The Patient Global Impression of Change is a self-reported assessment used to measure an individual's perceived change in health status or symptoms over time, typically ranging from "very much worse" to "very much improved." Minimum score 1, maximum score 7. Higher score indicated greater improvement in patient's condition (better outcome)
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks
Pain Catastrophization Scale
a self-report measure consisting of two subscales, assessing beliefs about how physical activity and work-related activities may exacerbate pain and lead to avoidance behaviors in individuals with low back pain. Minimum score 0, maximum score 52. Higher score indicates worse outcome.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.