Remote Chronic Back Pain Research Study
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are conducting a study on virtual reality (VR) therapy for chronic low back pain.
Fast Facts
Experiencing moderate or severe low back pain for 6+ months
Compensation
Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
A fully remote study testing an FDA-approved virtual reality therapy for chronic low back pain
This study is a collaboration between the University of Colorado Boulder and CognifiSense, Inc., a company developing virtual reality technology for pain management. The research is testing a virtual reality therapy designed to reduce chronic lower back pain and improve function in daily life.
The therapy, called Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy (VRNT), combines techniques from established psychological therapies to help people better manage pain. Over an 8-week period, participants will use the VR therapy from home while continuing their usual pain treatments. Researchers will then follow up for six months to see if the benefits of VRNT last after the program ends.
Study Background
A fully remote study testing an FDA-approved virtual reality therapy for chronic low back pain
This study is a collaboration between the University of Colorado Boulder and CognifiSense, Inc., a company developing virtual reality technology for pain management. The research is testing a virtual reality therapy designed to reduce chronic lower back pain and improve function in daily life.
The therapy, called Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy (VRNT), combines techniques from established psychological therapies to help people better manage pain. Over an 8-week period, participants will use the VR therapy from home while continuing their usual pain treatments. Researchers will then follow up for six months to see if the benefits of VRNT last after the program ends.
Additional Information
The goal of this study is to learn whether a new virtual reality therapy can help people with chronic low back pain experience less pain, improved function, and lasting relief after the program ends.
You may be eligible 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
This study is entirely remote; all parts are done from home.
If eligible, you’ll:
Complete two short online surveys about your pain and lifestyle.
Be randomly assigned to one of two VR therapy programs.
Join two video calls for onboarding and training (about 2.5 hours total).
Complete VR sessions at home, five days a week for eight weeks (15–30 minutes per session).
Join weekly 30-minute check-in calls with a research team member.
Complete follow-up online surveys at 3 and 6 months after finishing the program.
All VR equipment will be mailed to you with prepaid return shipping provided.
Participants can earn up to $132 in Amazon eGift Cards for completing all parts of the study. Payments are made in two parts:
$72 after the main 8-week study
$60 after completing the 6-month follow-up period
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.