Virtual reality program for managing chronic pain in teens during COVID-19

Pain Rehabilitation Virtual Reality (PR-VR) At-home Program: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine Feasibility and Impact on Pain and Function in Adolescents During and After COVID-19

This study tests whether a virtual reality program can help teens with chronic pain feel better during COVID-19 compared to regular online physiotherapy.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 12 Years to 18 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The Hospital for Sick Children (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
• Trial ID: NCT04912817 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) program designed to help teens manage chronic pain, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional physiotherapy services have been limited. By comparing the outcomes of teens using the VR program to those receiving standard physiotherapy via videoconference, the research aims to assess usability, satisfaction, and improvements in pain, mobility, and function. The study involves questionnaires and interviews with participants and healthcare providers to gather comprehensive data on the program's impact.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking teens aged 12-18 diagnosed with chronic pain who are currently receiving care at the Chronic Pain Clinic.

Not a fit: Patients with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments that prevent them from engaging with the VR program may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide an innovative and effective way for teens to manage chronic pain, potentially reducing reliance on opioids and improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging evidence supporting the use of VR for pain management in adults, this approach for pediatric chronic pain is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. able to speak and read English,
2. 12-18 years old,
3. diagnosed with chronic pain,
4. under active care at the interprofessional out-patient Chronic Pain Clinic at SickKids,
5. on stabilized medication/therapy (no new pain medications/therapies for 1 week prior to the initial PT assessment and treatment) according to medical chart,
6. independently mobile and able to safely engage in physical activity,
7. requiring a minimum of 4 treatments (1-hour sessions of virtual PT) typically once per week,
8. able to have access to an Internet-enabled smartphone, computer or tablet at home (typically once per week for 4 weeks) according to self-report for Zoom for Healthcare visits with PT, and
9. willing to have Zoom for Healthcare visits with PT recorded during the study period and, if selected, individual telephone interview with research assistant (RA) audio recorded following the study period.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. visual, auditory or cognitive impairments precluding interaction with the PR-VR intervention and/or control equipment (Internet) as assessed by reviewing the patient's medical chart and consultation with the patient's PT.
2. diagnosis of seizure disorder, history of seizure, or increased risk of seizure.
3. new onset of headaches/migraines, motion sickness, nausea or vomiting or history/symptoms of possible concussion.
4. diagnosis of major, untreated, concurrent psychiatric illness (e.g., depression, anxiety, conversion disorder, PTSD) or personality disorder as assessed by reviewing the patient's medical chart and in consultation by their health care team.
5. currently receiving sedating medications
6. claustrophobia or previous intolerance of virtual reality (e.g. nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, eye strain, false memory formation) as assessed by health care team.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

• Hospital for Sick Children — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jennifer Stinson, RN, PhD — The Hospital for Sick Children
• Study coordinator: Jennifer Stinson, RN, PhD

Conditions: Pain, Chronic, paediatric chronic pain, virtual reality, COVID-19