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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Dec;56(1):2311846.
doi: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2311846. Epub 2024 Feb 14.

A multicenter feasibility randomized controlled trial using a virtual reality application of pain neuroscience education for adults with chronic low back pain

Ryan McConnell  1   2 , Elizabeth Lane  3 , Grace Webb  2 , Dana LaPeze  2 , Hailey Grillo  2 , Julie Fritz  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A multicenter feasibility randomized controlled trial using a virtual reality application of pain neuroscience education for adults with chronic low back pain

Ryan McConnell et al. Ann Med. 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent condition among adults and is correlated to high levels of pain, high disability, and lower quality of life. Pain neuroscience education (PNE) helps to explain the pain experience and can affect psychosocial factors, such as fear of movement, anxiety, socioeconomic status, work life satisfaction, etc. More recently, virtual reality (VR) programs have emerged allowing for immersive PNE experiences.

Objective: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to determine the feasibility of using a VR application for the delivery of immersive PNE (VR-PNE) and other activity training for patients with CLBP presenting to outpatient physical therapy (PT) clinics.

Methods: A two-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled feasibility trial of patients was conducted at 12 outpatient PT clinics from March 9, 2022, through September 9, 2022. The intervention group received PT as usual and VR-PNE while the control group received PT as usual. Between group feasibility, acceptability outcomes and other patient-reported outcomes were assessed at six weeks.

Results: A total of 595 individuals were evaluated for low back pain during the recruitment period. Seventy individuals were eligible and met definition for CLBP, 52 enrolled and 32 completed the trial. Participant adherence was 63.6% for VR-PNE and 63.2% for PT as usual. Participants found VR-PNE acceptable and reported satisfaction scores (0-100) of 87.37 ± 11.05 compared to 81.17 ± 23.72 in the PT as usual group. There were no significant differences between groups for the BBQ, BRS, FABQ-PA, FABQ-W, GROC, NPRS, NPQ, PCS, and PSEQ at 6 weeks.

Conclusion: The results of the trial suggest that VR-PNE may be acceptable and feasible for patients with CLBP. Study procedures and PT delivery modifications should be considered for the next iteration of this study to improve follow-up assessment rates.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain; chronic pain; physical therapists; psychological distress; virtual reality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors report that there are no competing interests to declare.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PNE 2.0 content modules – BehaVR proprietary content are reproduced with the permission of BehaVR.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
PNE 2.0 software schedule.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Flow of participants through the trial.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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