A multicenter feasibility randomized controlled trial using a virtual reality application of pain neuroscience education for adults with chronic low back pain
Abstract
Abstract Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a highly prevalent condition among adults and is correlated to high levels of pain, high disability, and lower quality of life. Pain neuroscience education (PNE) helps to explain the pain experience and can affect psychosocial factors, such as fear of movement, anxiety, socioeconomic status, work life satisfaction, etc. More recently, virtual reality (VR) programs have emerged allowing for immersive PNE experiences. Objective The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to determine the feasibility of using a VR application for the delivery of immersive PNE (VR-PNE) and other activity training for patients with CLBP presenting to outpatient physical therapy (PT) clinics. Methods A two-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled feasibility trial of patients was conducted at 12 outpatient PT clinics from March 9, 2022, through September 9, 2022. The intervention group received PT as usual and VR-PNE while the control group received PT as usual. Between group feasibility, acceptability outcomes and other patient-reported outcomes were assessed at six weeks. Results: A total of 595 individuals were evaluated for low back pain during the recruitment period. Seventy individuals were eligible and met definition for CLBP, 52 enrolled and 32 completed the trial. Participant adherence was 63.6% for VR-PNE and 63.2% for PT as usual. Participants found VR-PNE acceptable and reported satisfaction scores (0–100) of 87.37 ± 11.05…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 595 participants or records.
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