Virtual reality pain education plus core stabilization for chronic low back pain

Effects of Virtual Reality-Assisted Pain Neuroscience Education on Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This project tests whether using virtual reality to deliver pain neuroscience education together with core stabilization exercises helps adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain reduce pain, fear of movement, and disability.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi (other)
• Locations: 2 sites (Center, Kirşehi̇r and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT07305597 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain (≥3 months) will be offered pain neuroscience education delivered either in a classic format or via a virtual reality (VR) platform, combined with core stabilization exercises. The intervention compares VR-supported PNE plus exercise to classic PNE plus the same exercise program to see if the VR format improves engagement and clinical outcomes. Key outcomes include pain intensity, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, and functional measures. Participants with major neurologic, vestibular, visual, psychiatric, or recent lumbar surgery are excluded to ensure safety with VR use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–65 with nonspecific low back pain lasting at least three months who can walk and exercise independently and have normal cognitive screening (MMSE > 23).

Not a fit: People with specific spinal pathology (e.g., tumor, infection, fracture, inflammatory disease), recent lumbar surgery, serious cardiopulmonary disease, vestibular/visual disorders, epilepsy, severe psychiatric illness, or pregnancy are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded for safety.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce pain and fear-related avoidance while improving function by combining interactive VR education with targeted exercises.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies of VR or PNE in chronic pain have shown short-term reductions in pain and kinesiophobia, but combining VR-supported PNE with core stabilization exercises is a relatively novel approach with limited long-term evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Be between the ages of 18 and 65
* Have a diagnosis of nonspecific low back pain with a history of low back pain lasting at least 3 months
* Have no specific pathologies that could cause low back pain (e.g., tumor, infection, fracture, inflammatory disease)
* Be able to walk independently and have the capacity to exercise
* Mini Mental State Examination score \>23

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who have undergone lumbar surgery within the last year,
* Individuals with central or peripheral neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease),
* Those with vestibular, visual, or balance disorders (those at risk of dizziness or nausea during virtual reality applications),
* Those with serious cardiopulmonary or systemic diseases,
* Those with psychiatric disorders or a diagnosis of severe depression, those who are pregnant
* Individuals with a history of dizziness, epilepsy, or visual disturbances associated with virtual reality use

Where this trial is running

Center, Kirşehi̇r and 1 other locations

• Kırşehir Ahi Evran University — Center, Kirşehi̇r, Turkey (Türkiye) (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Kırşehir Ahi Evran University — Kırşehir, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: İrem CANLI, Ph.D

Conditions: Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, chronic non-spesific low back pain, virtual reality, pain neuroscience education