Remote Chronic Back Pain Research Study
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are conducting a study on Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy (VRNT) for individuals with chronic lower back pain.
Fast Facts
Individuals Experiencing Moderate to Severe Chronic Lower Back Pain for 6+ Months
18-85 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
This study aims to test whether a new virtual reality therapy can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic lower back pain over an 8-week period, with lasting effects assessed 6 months later.
This study is a collaboration between the University of Colorado Boulder and CognifiSense, Inc., a company developing virtual reality (VR) technology for pain management. The research is focused on testing the clinical efficacy and durability of a VR-based therapy called Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy (VRNT). The therapy combines principles from various psychological therapies aimed at reducing pain and improving function.
Participants will undergo the therapy over an 8-week period, with assessments conducted during and after the therapy to determine the effectiveness and lasting benefits. The study is entirely remote, allowing participants to complete all sessions from the comfort of their homes.
Study Background
This study aims to test whether a new virtual reality therapy can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic lower back pain over an 8-week period, with lasting effects assessed 6 months later.
This study is a collaboration between the University of Colorado Boulder and CognifiSense, Inc., a company developing virtual reality (VR) technology for pain management. The research is focused on testing the clinical efficacy and durability of a VR-based therapy called Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy (VRNT). The therapy combines principles from various psychological therapies aimed at reducing pain and improving function.
Participants will undergo the therapy over an 8-week period, with assessments conducted during and after the therapy to determine the effectiveness and lasting benefits. The study is entirely remote, allowing participants to complete all sessions from the comfort of their homes.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to determine the clinical efficacy and durability of the Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy (VRNT) in reducing pain and improving function in individuals with chronic lower back pain.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Experiencing low back pain for 6+ months
- Moderate or severe pain intensity in the past week
- Lower back pain as primary chronic pain complaint (greater than pain in other bodily regions)
- If applicable, major depressive disorder is controlled with medication
- Speak English
- Have access to Wi-Fi
- Ages 18-85
Exclusion Criteria:
- Cancer-related pain
- Current or prior diagnosis of epilepsy, seizure disorder, convulsions, febrile seizures, dementia, migraines, or other neurological diseases that may prevent the use of virtual reality or adverse effects
- Medical condition predisposing to vertigo, nausea, dizziness or motion sickness
- Hypersensitivity to flashing light or motion
- Stereoscopic vision, (digital) eye strain, or computer vision syndrome
- Moderate to severe hearing loss which impedes the use of VR voice-overs
- Other conditions that produce significant cognitive or emotional disability
- Previous experience of VR device for pain
If you participate, you will be asked to:
Complete two initial online surveys (20 minutes and 30 minutes each).
Be randomly assigned to one of two VR programs.
Attend two video calls for onboarding and training, totaling about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Use the VR therapy from home, 5 days a week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 15 to 30 minutes.
Participate in eight weekly check-in calls (30 minutes each).
Complete five online surveys during the therapy period (approximately 30 minutes each).
Complete a final survey (approximately 45 minutes) and a debrief call (approximately 45 minutes) after the therapy period.
Complete two follow-up surveys 3 months and 6 months after the therapy period (approximately 45 minutes each).
Participants will be compensated in two parts:
- Part 1: Up to $72 via Amazon eGift Card after completing the main study.
Part 2: Up to $60 via Amazon eGift Card after completing the follow-up period (6 months later).
Total compensation is up to $132, depending on the number of completed assessment surveys.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.