VR-enhanced progressive muscle relaxation for chronic symptoms after burn injury
Official title: Virtual Reality-Enhanced Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Symptom Management in Burn Survivors
Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT07317271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will try progressive muscle relaxation with and without virtual reality to see if it helps adult burn survivors reduce chronic pain, itch, anxiety, sleep problems, or fatigue.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07317271 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with a prior burn injury (≥6 months post-injury), who report clinically meaningful symptoms (BPI pain severity ≥3, PROMIS itch ≥55, or ISI ≥8), own a smartphone or computer with internet, and can comfortably wear a VR headset are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with cognitive impairment, a history of motion sickness or photosensitivity, claustrophobia, uncorrected visual or hearing impairments, non-English speakers, or those unable to wear a headset or access the internet 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
The trial uses a randomized crossover design in which adult burn survivors self-administer home-based sessions of standard progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and VR-enhanced PMR in randomized sequence. Participants complete repeated symptom reports (pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbance, fatigue) and measures of feasibility and acceptability. Interventions are delivered remotely using a smartphone or computer and a headset for the VR condition, with most activities performed at home. Outcomes compare symptom change between the two conditions to determine whether adding VR enhances PMR’s effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a scalable, non-drug, home-based option to reduce chronic post-burn pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows VR can reduce acute burn pain and PMR helps chronic symptoms, but combining VR with PMR for chronic post-burn symptoms is relatively novel and has limited prior evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria are: * ≥18 years old; * sustained a burn injury in the last 6 months or longer; * Score high on at least one of the following: Insomnia severity index (ISI) score of ≥8, Brief Pain Inventory Short Form (BPI-SF) Pain severity score of ≥3, or PROMIS Itch Severity of ≥55; * own a smartphone or computer with reliable internet connection for online visits and survey completion; * able to comfortably wear goggles or headsets on face as determined by self-report. Exclusion criteria: * Cognitive impairment (Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) \< 25); * history of motion sickness, photosensitivity, photoinduced seizures, and claustrophobia as determined by self-report; * uncorrected visual or hearing impairments as determined by self-report; * non-English speaker.
Where it's running
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Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sheera Lerman Zohar, PhD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lynn Nakad, PhD, RN
- Email: lnakad1@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 410-550-9056
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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.