Using virtual reality to treat phantom leg pain in amputees
Official title: Efficacy and Mechanisms of Virtual Reality Treatment of Phantom Leg Pain
Funded at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network · NIH-10911243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well virtual reality can help people who have phantom limb pain after an amputation, and it’s for anyone dealing with that kind of pain; participants will try either a special VR treatment or a standard VR pain relief option to see which works better, while also using advanced imaging to learn more about how these treatments affect the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein Healthcare Network NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $544,681 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD104158-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone limb amputation and experience phantom limb pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have phantom limb pain or have not undergone limb amputation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) treatments for individuals experiencing phantom limb pain (PLP) after amputation. Participants will be randomized to receive either an active VR treatment or a commercially available VR pain treatment. The study aims to develop a home-based intervention for PLP and will utilize advanced MRI imaging to explore the neural mechanisms behind PLP and the efficacy of the treatments. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to create predictive biomarkers for treatment response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from phantom limb pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using virtual reality for pain management, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buxbaum, Laurel J — Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
- Study coordinator: Buxbaum, Laurel J
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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.