Using virtual reality to improve neck rehabilitation for chronic pain

Virtual Reality Neck-based Sensorimotor Training Versus Comprehensive Sensorimotor Training in Mechanical Neck Pain

This study is testing if using virtual reality can help young adults with chronic neck pain improve their movement and feel less pain during rehabilitation.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 40 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: MTI University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Cairo and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06750718 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to treat chronic non-specific neck pain by integrating virtual reality (VR) technologies with sensory-motor training. The study will involve fifty patients aged 18 to 40 who experience moderate to severe neck pain, utilizing immersive VR environments to enhance movement, flexibility, and pain relief. Participants will engage in computer-based exercises designed to improve postural control and distract from pain, offering a novel approach to rehabilitation. The goal is to provide an innovative solution to a prevalent health issue affecting productivity and daily life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 40 with moderate to severe mechanical neck pain.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of spinal trauma, neurological disorders, or those who have recently undergone physical therapy for neck pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce chronic neck pain and improve the quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain management and rehabilitation, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Fifty patients diagnosed with mechanical neck pain between 18- and 40 years old with mechanical neck pain.
2. Patients with pain intensity scores (\>3) on the visual analog scale (VAS; 0-100mm) for an average of three weeks before the study.
3. Neck Disability Index (NDI) scoring 20%-60% (\>6) (moderate to severe disability).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any history of lower extremity or spine trauma or surgery, recognized and observable spinal deformity, neurological disorders, cervical fracture/dislocation, whiplash injuries, neurological/cardiovascular/respiratory disorders affecting patients' physical performance, or inability to provide informed consent.
2. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), as confirmed by the Dix Hallpike test.
3. Pregnancy.
4. Patients who had received physical therapy interventions for neck pain within three months preceding the study were also ineligible for participation and were excluded.

Where this trial is running

Cairo and 1 other locations

• Cairo University — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
• Physical Therapy — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hadeer Maghraby, MSc — Assistant Lecturer
• Study coordinator: Hadeer Maghraby, MSc

Conditions Chronic Non Specific Neck Pain; Virtual Reality; Non specific Neck Pain; Neck-based Training Sensorimotor Training; Sensorimotor Training