Virtual reality rehab for people with neck pain
Official title: Effects of Virtual Reality Motor Control Rehabilitation in Neck Pain Subjects
Run by IRCCS San Raffaele · NCT03987334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether adding virtual-reality guided sensorimotor exercises to standard therapy helps adults (18–70) with chronic neck pain or whiplash improve pain and movement after six weeks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IRCCS San Raffaele Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milan, MI) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 9, 2019 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | February 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03987334 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–70 with chronic neck pain or whiplash and normal or corrected vision who can attend in-person sessions in Milan are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
People with cervical fractures, prior cervical surgery, radiculopathy, vestibular disorders, epilepsy, progressive neurological or muscular degenerative diseases, active infections, pregnancy, or who cannot attend in-person visits are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a single-blind, randomized, two-arm trial at IRCCS San Raffaele in Milan comparing virtual reality–guided sensorimotor rehabilitation to the same exercises with the VR turned off. Participants receive 12 sessions of rehabilitation (45 minutes each), delivered twice weekly over six weeks, with the first 15 minutes devoted to manual therapy and 30 minutes to motor-control exercises. Outcomes are measured at baseline, immediately after treatment (6 weeks), and at a three-month follow-up. The control arm receives identical intensity and duration of therapy but without the VR display to isolate the effect of the virtual-reality feedback.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding VR-guided sensorimotor exercises could reduce neck pain and improve motor control and daily function beyond standard rehab alone.
How similar studies have gone: Similar VR-based sensorimotor rehabilitation approaches have shown promising but limited positive results in small or early-phase studies, so evidence is emerging but not yet definitive.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult individuals (18-70 years old); * Neck Pain (Chronic Neck Pain or Whiplash); * Normal vision or corrected vision. Exclusion Criteria: * Informed Consent negation; * System infection or metabolic/neurological/muscular degenerative disorder; * Cervical spinal pathology, fracture or surgery; * Radiculopathy; * Vestibular impairments; * Epilepsy; * Pregnancy.
Where it's running
-
IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele
Milan, Mi, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sandro Iannaccone, Dr
- Email: iannaccone.sandro@hsr.it
- Phone: +39 0226435734
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.