Virtual reality program 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-11322088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will see if a virtual-reality, brain-targeting treatment can reduce long-term low back pain in adults.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $406,285 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NR017575-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11322088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older with chronic low back pain who are willing to participate in a randomized treatment program and follow study visits.
✕Less likely to help
People with only acute or short-term back pain, those under 21, or patients with medical conditions that prevent VR use may not benefit from this trial.
What this research studies
You would use a patented VR program designed to target brain processes that keep pain going, with guided sessions delivered through a headset. The trial is a Phase II randomized controlled study comparing the VR treatment to a control approach to measure changes in pain and function. The team plans to enroll adults with chronic low back pain and follow them over time to measure lasting effects. Results from this trial are intended to support wider availability and possible FDA submission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the VR approach could provide lasting, non-drug pain relief and reduce reliance on medications for chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: A prior Phase I study by the same developer reported positive results, but larger randomized trials are still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Cognifisense, INC.
Sunnyvale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baeuerle, Tassilo — Cognifisense, INC.
- Study coordinator: Baeuerle, Tassilo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using virtual reality therapy to reduce chronic low back pain
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.
-
Using virtual reality to enhance acupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain
This study is exploring a new way to help people with chronic low back pain by using virtual reality to create an acupuncture experience in their minds, which might help those who haven't found relief with regular treatments.
-
Using virtual reality to help manage chronic low back pain
This study is exploring how virtual reality can help adults with chronic low back pain feel better and move more, comparing it to regular pain treatments to see which works best for improving their daily lives.
-
Using virtual reality to enhance acupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain
This study is exploring a new way to help people with chronic low back pain by using virtual reality to create an acupuncture experience in their minds, which might help reduce their pain and improve their daily life.
-
Using virtual reality to help manage chronic low back pain
This study is exploring whether using virtual reality can help adults with chronic low back pain feel better and move more easily, comparing it to regular pain treatments like opioids, so you can see if this fun new approach might work for you!
-
Ketamine-assisted care plan to help Veterans with chronic back pain and depression
A program for Veterans with chronic low back pain and depression that uses ketamine infusions followed by a brief narrative therapy to sustain relief from pain and mood improvement.
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.