Using virtual reality to help reduce chronic pain medications
Clinical Trial on Deprescribing Associated With a Psychoeducational Program Using Virtual Reality for Patients With Chronic Pain and Central Sensitization
This study is testing if a new virtual reality program can help people with chronic pain reduce their medication use while improving their emotional well-being and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Badalona Serveis Assistencials Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Badalona, Barcelona and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06964360 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the REDOCVR program, which combines psychoeducation and immersive virtual reality to support the deprescribing of chronic pain medications in primary care settings. The program integrates group education, physical activity, and emotional regulation techniques, with virtual reality serving as an engaging tool to enhance therapeutic learning. Participants will be randomized into an intervention group receiving the full REDOCVR program or a control group receiving standard educational materials. The study aims to assess the impact on medication use, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life for patients with chronic pain.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with chronic non-cancer pain lasting at least three months and experiencing symptoms of central sensitization or emotional distress.
Not a fit: Patients with acute pain conditions, severe psychiatric or cognitive impairments, or those unable to use virtual reality equipment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce reliance on chronic pain medications while improving patients' emotional and physical well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While the REDOCVR program builds on existing non-pharmacological approaches, the specific integration of virtual reality for deprescribing in chronic pain management is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with chronic non-cancer pain persisting for at least 3 months * Assigned to one of the participating primary care centers * Presence of central sensitization symptoms, emotional distress, kinesophobia, or inadequate response to prior treatments * Capacity to provide informed consent and complete questionnaires Exclusion Criteria: * Acute pain conditions (duration \<3 months) * Severe psychiatric or cognitive impairment * Uncontrolled vertigo, epilepsy, or major visual/auditory impairments * Conditions contraindicating use of VR equipment * Inability to attend scheduled sessions
Where this trial is running
Badalona, Barcelona and 3 other locations
- Primary Care Progrès-Raval — Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
- Primary Care Center Apenins-Montigalà — Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
- Primary Care Center Morera-Pomar — Badalona, Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
- CAP Montgat- Dr Jardi — Montgat, Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
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.