Using virtual reality to help manage phantom pain after lower limb amputation
Assessing the Feasibility of a Virtual Reality Intervention for Lower Phantom Limb Pain in the Acute Postoperative Period
This study is testing a virtual reality program to see if it can help people with phantom limb pain after they've had a leg amputation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Manitoba Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba) |
| Trial ID | NCT06638918 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a virtual reality (VR) program designed to treat phantom limb pain (PLP) in patients who have recently undergone lower limb amputation. Participants will engage with the VR program in various settings, including hospitals and their homes, over approximately seventeen sessions. The study will assess the acceptability of the treatment, the ability to recruit a representative sample of participants, and the potential impact of the program on the severity of PLP. Participants will complete questionnaires after each session to provide feedback on their pain levels and the program's acceptability.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have recently undergone lower limb amputation and are receiving inpatient treatment at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.
Not a fit: Patients with visual, hearing, or motor impairments that hinder their ability to engage with the VR technology may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel, nonpharmacological approach to managing phantom limb pain in patients immediately after amputation.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR for pain management is gaining traction, this specific application for phantom limb pain in the acute postoperative period is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * if they underwent or are about to undergo an LLA (hip, below-knee, above-knee, or foot) within the last two months * if they are currently receiving inpatient treatment at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) in Winnipeg, Canada * if they can speak/read English fluently Exclusion Criteria: * any visual, hearing, or motor impairment that would affect engaging with a head-mounted VR headset or hand controls, as interpreted by the research team or nursing staff
Where this trial is running
Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Health Sciences Center — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Renee El-Gabalawy, PhD — Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist
- Study coordinator: Megan Crooks, BSc. (Hons.)
- Email: crooksm@myumanitoba.ca
- Phone: 2045997174
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.