Using virtual reality walking games to help with neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality walking game in alleviating neuropathic pain in adults with chronic spinal cord injuries classified as complete (ASIA A). The approach focuses on addressing the mismatch between sensory input and motor commands that may contribute to neuropathic pain. Participants will engage in two different virtual reality games designed to create the illusion of walking, potentially reversing brain changes associated with pain. The study will recruit individuals who have experienced persistent neuropathic pain for at least three months and are stable on pain medication.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

The study will recruit individuals with complete injury (American Spinal Injury Association \[ASIA\] classification A) with lumbar, paraplegic, or low tetraplegic (C5-C7) injury. Additional criteria will include:

1. Must have persistent NP symptoms that are of daily severity of at least 4/10 for 3 or more months
2. Must endorse more than 2 items on a 7-item Spinal Cord Injury Pain Instrument, SCIPI
3. Must be 18 years of age or older
4. Must be more than one year post-injury to begin study (can be screened at an earlier time for eligibility)
5. Must have mobile connectivity with usable service
6. Must be stable on pain medication for 1 or more months
7. Must be cleared on the VRWalk physical activity clearance scale
8. Must not have motion sickness that interferes with daily life

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals with Injury levels between C1 and C4
2. Individuals under the age of 18
3. Individuals who were injured within the past year
4. Individuals who cannot comprehend spoken English
5. Individuals who are in prison
6. Individuals who are blind
7. Individuals who experience severe motion sickness

Where it's running

• University of Alabama at Birmingham
  Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
• Texas A&M University
  College Station, Texas, United States Recruiting
• University of New South Wales
  Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Completed

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Zina Trost, PhD — Texas A&M University
• Study coordinator: Amanda Sainz-Higgins, M.E.d
• Email: sci@vrwalk.org
• Phone: 804-569-5965

Similar studies

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

• Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Neuropathic Pain from Spinal Cord Injuries

  This study is testing if a non-invasive brain treatment called rTMS can help reduce neuropathic pain and improve quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries.

  Recruiting Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · Afyonkarahisar · NCT06726954

• New treatment for neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury patients

  This study is testing a new oral medication called EC5026 to see if it can safely help people with spinal cord injuries manage their nerve pain.

  Recruiting Phase 1 EicOsis Human Health Inc. · Augusta, Georgia · NCT06438471

• Virtual reality walking game for neuropathic pain relief in spinal cord injury patients

  This study tests if a virtual reality walking game can help adults with spinal cord injuries and ongoing nerve pain feel better.

  Recruiting Texas A&M University · College Station, Texas · NCT06330181

• Using body illusions and brain stimulation to treat pain in spinal cord injury

  This study is testing if combining body illusions with a type of brain stimulation can help reduce pain and improve sensation in people with spinal cord injuries.

  Recruiting University of Miami · Miami, Florida · NCT06010251

• Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

  This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation called rTMS can help reduce neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injuries.

  Recruiting Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · Afyonkarahisar · NCT05645003

• Training leg reflexes to reduce neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury

  This study is testing whether training leg reflexes can help reduce neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injuries.

  Recruiting Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, South Carolina · NCT05492188

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.