Using virtual reality therapy to reduce chronic low back pain
Official title: Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain
Funded at Cognifisense, INC. · NIH-11112333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cognifisense, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sunnyvale, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $580,584 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NR017575-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic low back pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain or those who do not have chronic low back pain may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Cognifisense, INC.
Sunnyvale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Way, Amanda — Cognifisense, INC.
- Study coordinator: Way, Amanda
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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.