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Clinical trial No longer in our active list Interventional Ages 40 to 80

Using augmented reality training to relieve chronic neck pain

Official title: Augmented Reality Sensorimotor Training to Treat Chronic Neck Pain Assessed Through Corticomuscular Coherence

Run by McMaster University · NCT05880511 · Data updated 2026-05-14

This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.

This study is testing if using augmented reality training can help people with chronic neck pain feel better, and whether adding a brain stimulation technique first makes it work even better.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorMcMaster University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Hamilton, Ontario and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05880511 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with chronic neck pain.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of moderate to severe chronic pain in other body areas or contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research investigates the effects of 2-4 weeks of augmented reality sensorimotor training on patients suffering from chronic neck pain. The study also explores whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) administered before the training enhances its effectiveness. A variety of questionnaires, functional assessments, and electroencephalography markers will be utilized to evaluate changes in pain symptoms following the training. The feasibility of the study procedures will be assessed with a small group of 40 patients before a larger study is conducted.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide significant pain relief and improve the quality of life for patients with chronic neck pain.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality for pain management has shown promise, this specific combination of augmented reality training and rTMS is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of chronic neck pain

Exclusion Criteria:

* A known history of moderate to severe chronic pain in other parts of the body
* Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation,
* Known psychological diagnosis affecting comprehension
* Inability to participate in the study

Where it's running

  • McMaster Unviersity
    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada     Recruiting
  • St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton King Campus
    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada     Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Aimee Nelson, PhD — McMaster University
  • Study coordinator: Aimee Nelson, PhD
  • Email: nelsonaj@mcmaster.ca
  • Phone: 9055259140

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Chronic Neck Pain 23McMaster University 75
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.