Using virtual reality mindfulness to help veterans with spinal cord injuries and chronic pain.
Official title: Exploring Virtual Reality Mindfulness Training for Veterans with SCI and Chronic Pain.
Funded at Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center · NIH-10999541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how virtual reality can help veterans with spinal cord injuries and chronic pain learn mindfulness techniques to better manage their pain and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1IK1RX004813-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999541 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans with spinal cord injuries who experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without spinal cord injuries or those not experiencing chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how virtual reality can be used to deliver mindfulness training specifically for veterans suffering from spinal cord injuries (SCI) and chronic pain. By engaging participants in immersive virtual environments, the study aims to improve their ability to manage pain and enhance their overall quality of life. The approach focuses on increasing mindfulness, which can help reduce anxiety and improve social participation by fostering a greater acceptance of pain. The research seeks to address the unique needs of veterans, ensuring that the interventions are accessible and effective for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with innovative tools to better manage chronic pain and improve their mental well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using virtual reality for pain management and mindfulness, indicating potential for success in this novel application for veterans.
Where this research is happening
-
Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Touchett, Hilary — Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Touchett, Hilary
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Virtual Reality Mindfulness Training for Veterans with SCI and Chronic Pain
A mindfulness program delivered through virtual reality is being explored to help veterans with spinal cord injury live with less pain and better daily functioning.
-
Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults
This grant tests non-drug ways like mindfulness and self-hypnosis to help people over 60 manage chronic pain.
-
Mindfulness and psilocybin for chronic back pain
A clinical study will explore how mindfulness training combined with a guided psilocybin experience may reduce pain for adults with chronic low back pain.
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Mobile mindfulness app to help spinal cord injury patients manage chronic pain
A widely available mindfulness app is being tested to help people with spinal cord injury reduce chronic pain and improve mood and daily functioning.
-
Mindfulness and Self-Hypnosis for Pain in Older Adults
A non-drug program using mindfulness meditation and self-hypnosis is being studied to help Americans aged 60 and up manage chronic pain.
-
Mindfulness and self-hypnosis to ease chronic pain in older adults
This project tests whether mindfulness meditation and self-hypnosis can reduce chronic pain and change brain activity in people aged 60 and older.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.