Immersive virtual reality to boost standardized rehabilitation for chronic upper-limb pain
Contribution of Immersive Virtual Reality to a Standardized Rehabilitation Program for Upper Limb Chronic Pain: A Single-Case Experimental Design Study
This project will try adding immersive virtual reality to standard occupational therapy to see if adults (18–65) with chronic upper-limb CRPS-I improve arm function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Angers Government |
| Locations | 2 sites (Angers and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06523361 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-case experimental design uses repeated baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases to test whether an immersive virtual reality (IVR) device added to occupational therapy improves upper-limb function in people with chronic CRPS-I. Participants receive the IVR-supported H'ability intervention during standard multidisciplinary rehabilitation sessions. Function and symptoms are monitored across phases for each participant to detect within-person changes. The study is conducted at CHU Angers and CH Laval in France.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–65 with chronic upper-limb pain from CRPS-I for more than three months who can tolerate a VR device, understand French, and attend sessions at the participating hospitals are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with recent upper-limb surgery (<6 months), fibromyalgia, unstable epilepsy, severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, significant visual or hearing impairment, pregnancy, or inability to tolerate or understand VR are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding IVR to rehabilitation could increase engagement and improve arm movement and daily function while potentially reducing pain for people with CRPS-I.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot trials and case reports of immersive VR in chronic pain have shown promising pain and function improvements, but high-quality evidence in CRPS-I is limited and the single-case experimental approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chronic pain in the upper limb, predominantly in one or both upper limbs, for more than 3 months * Age between 18 and 65 * Patient affiliated with or benefiting from a social security organization * Person able to tolerate the virtual reality device * Informed consent form signed Exclusion Criteria: * Upper limb surgery \< 6 months * Infection or pathology of the central nervous system or active cancer * Fibromyalgia * Severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders * Diabetes mellitus complicated by peripheral neuropathy * Neurogenic paraosteoarthropathy or recent fracture * Pregnancy or breast-feeding. * Poor understanding of the French language. * Person deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision * Psychiatric disorder * Person subject to a legal protection measure * Person unable to give consent * In connection with the virtual reality device: unstabilized epilepsy, facial trauma \< 3 months, hearing or visual impairment, pain, dizziness or nausea caused by the use of virtual reality.
Where this trial is running
Angers and 1 other locations
- CHU Angers — Angers, France (Recruiting)
- Ch Laval — Laval, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pauline ALi, Doctor
- Email: pauline.ali@chu-angers.fr
- Phone: 33678874242
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.