Using virtual reality therapy to reduce chronic low back pain

Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain

NIH-funded research Cognifisense, INC. · NIH-11112333

This study is testing a new virtual reality therapy that helps people with chronic low back pain by using fun and immersive experiences to change how their brain processes pain, and it's looking for participants to see if this therapy works better than regular treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCognifisense, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Sunnyvale, United States)
Project IDNIH-11112333 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel virtual reality therapy designed to alleviate chronic low back pain by addressing the underlying neurological factors that contribute to pain perception. The therapy, known as Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy (VRNT), aims to create lasting pain relief through immersive experiences that target the brain's pain processing pathways. Participants will engage in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy compared to standard treatments, with the goal of making the VRNT system available for broader use. The study builds on promising results from earlier phases, focusing on a comprehensive approach to pain management.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic low back pain.

Not a fit: Patients with acute pain or those who do not have chronic low back pain may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain, potentially reducing reliance on medications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical trials have shown success with similar virtual reality approaches in pain management, indicating a promising avenue for treatment.

Where this research is happening

Sunnyvale, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.