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Neumann I, Andreatta M, Pauli P, Käthner I. Social support of virtual characters reduces pain perception. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:806-820. [PMID: 38088523 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial factors, such as social support, can reduce pain. Virtual reality (VR) is a powerful tool to decrease pain, but social factors in VR-based pain analgesia have rarely been studied. Specifically, it is unclear whether social support by virtual characters can reduce pain and whether the perceived control behind virtual characters (agency) and varying degrees of social cues impact pain perception. METHODS Healthy participants (N = 97) received heat pain stimulation while undergoing four within-subject conditions in immersive VR: (1) virtual character with a low number of social cues (virtual figure) provided verbal support, (2) virtual character with a high number of social cues (virtual human) provided verbal support, (3) no social support (hearing neutral words), (4) no social support. Perceived agency of the virtual characters served as between-subjects factor. Participants in the avatar group were led to believe that another participant controlled the virtual characters. Participants in the agent group were told they interacted with a computer. However, in both conditions, virtual characters were computer-controlled. Pain ratings, psychophysiological measurements and presence ratings were recorded. RESULTS Virtual social support decreased pain intensity and pain unpleasantness ratings but had no impact on electrodermal activity nor heart rate. A virtual character with a high number of social cues led to lower pain unpleasantness and higher feelings of presence. Agency had no significant impact. CONCLUSIONS Virtual characters providing social support can reduce pain independent of perceived agency. A more human visual appearance can have beneficial effects on social pain modulation by virtual characters. SIGNIFICANCE Social influences are important factors in pain modulation. The current study demonstrated analgesic effects through verbal support provided by virtual characters and investigated modulating factors. A more human appearance of a virtual character resulted in a higher reduction of pain unpleasantness. Importantly, agency of the virtual characters had no impact. Given the increasing use of digital health interventions, the findings suggest a positive impact of virtual characters for digital pain treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Neumann
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Andreatta
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - P Pauli
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Center of Mental Health, Medical Faculty, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - I Käthner
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Physiological Psychology, University of Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany
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Baydoun M, Gajtani Z, Patton M, McLennan A, Cartwright S, Carlson LE. Virtual reality-guided mindfulness for chronic pain in cancer survivors: protocol for the virtual mind study-a single-group feasibility trial. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1291374. [PMID: 38638535 PMCID: PMC11024301 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1291374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic cancer-related pain (CRP) can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Mindfulness is hypothesized to mitigate chronic CRP by regulating both physical and emotional resistance to pain. In recent years, there has been interest in the use of virtual reality (VR) to deliver mindfulness meditation. VR provides an immersive and engaging environment, which may enhance one's focused attention to present-moment experiences, potentially making mindfulness less effortful and more efficacious for individuals with chronic pain. There has been little research in this area for people with a history of cancer. Objective The aim of this mixed methods study is to evaluate the feasibility of a VR-guided mindfulness (VRGM) intervention offered to adult cancer survivors with chronic CRP. Methods This mixed methods feasibility study will employ a single-arm, pretest-posttest design with semistructured interviews. In total, 15 cancer survivors will be enrolled in a 6-week home-based intervention that consists of 10-15 min of daily VRGM practice. The primary outcome is feasibility as assessed by accrual rates, retention in the study, intervention adherence, questionnaire completion, and side effect rates. Participants will be assessed on psychosocial outcome measures (i.e., pain, sleep, depressive and anxiety symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, and mindfulness) before and after the intervention, and 6 weeks post intervention (follow-up). Changes in pain will be described in relation to levels of immersion and presence in the virtual environment, trait mindfulness, and amount of VRGM practice. Qualitative information will provide subjective detail on participants' experience with VRGM to complement quantitative data. This study has been approved by the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta Cancer Committee (HREBA.CC-20-0411). Conclusions This novel intervention provides a potential alternative treatment to pharmacological pain management. Results from this study may inform future larger VGRM trials for chronic CRP to help reduce suffering in people with cancer. Study findings will be disseminated through open access publications, traditional conference presentations, professional cancer organizations, and social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Baydoun
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Zen Gajtani
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Michaela Patton
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew McLennan
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Stephen Cartwright
- Centre for Simulation and Visualization, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Linda E. Carlson
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Slatman S, Staal JB, Knoop J. Letter to the Editor concerning "Virtual reality is effective in the management of chronic low back ache in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials" by V. Kumar et al. (Eur Spine J [2023]: doi: 10.1007/s00586-023-08040-5). EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:1700-1701. [PMID: 38438585 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-024-08166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- S Slatman
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - J B Staal
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J Knoop
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science, Musculoskeletal Health, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Provan SA, Litleskare S, Flaten OE, Pettersen H, Røset L, Calogiuri G. Participatory Development of a Virtual Reality Exercise Program for People with Chronic Pain. Games Health J 2024. [PMID: 38563892 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2023.0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: By describing how a participatory process led to changes in the design of a study of a virtual reality (VR)-guided exercise and mindfulness intervention tailored to people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, this article makes the case for including end user at an early stage when planning research within this field. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel including end-user representatives, researcher, clinicians, and VR developers participated in a 1-day workshop to design a randomized study and a VR-guided intervention. Results: Through the participatory process, changes were made to the original study design with respect to experimental design, duration, content of VR interventions and mode of delivery. Conclusion: This case exemplifies the importance of including end-user participants in the early phases of planning VR interventions for people with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sella A Provan
- Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
- Department of Rheumatology, Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigbjørn Litleskare
- Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Ole Einar Flaten
- Game School-Department of Game Development, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Henning Pettersen
- Department of Rheumatology, Department of Social Work and Guidance, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Linda Røset
- Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Giovanna Calogiuri
- Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
- Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Centre for Health and Technology, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
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Čeko M, Baeuerle T, Webster L, Wager TD, Lumley MA. The effects of virtual reality neuroscience-based therapy on clinical and neuroimaging outcomes in patients with chronic back pain: a randomized clinical trial. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00549. [PMID: 38466872 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chronic pain remains poorly managed. The integration of immersive technologies (ie, virtual reality [VR]) with neuroscience-based principles may provide effective pain treatment by targeting cognitive and affective neural processes that maintain pain and therefore potentially changing neurobiological circuits associated with pain chronification and amplification. We tested the effectiveness of a novel VR neuroscience-based therapy (VRNT) to improve pain-related outcomes in n = 31 participants with chronic back pain, evaluated against usual care (waitlist control; n = 30) in a 2-arm randomized clinical trial (NCT04468074). We also conducted pre-treatment and post-treatment MRI to test whether VRNT affects brain networks previously linked to chronic pain and treatment effects. Compared with the control condition, VRNT led to significantly reduced pain intensity (g = 0.63) and pain interference (g = 0.84) at post-treatment vs pre-treatment, with effects persisting at 2-week follow-up. These improvements were partially mediated by reduced kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing. Several secondary clinical outcomes were also improved by VRNT, including disability, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue. In addition, VRNT was associated with increases in dorsomedial prefrontal functional connectivity with the superior somatomotor, anterior prefrontal and visual cortices, and decreased white matter fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum adjacent to the anterior cingulate, relative to the control condition. Thus, VRNT showed preliminary efficacy in significantly reducing pain and improving overall functioning, possibly through changes in somatosensory and prefrontal brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Čeko
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
| | | | - Lynn Webster
- U.S. Center for Policy, Scientific Affairs, Dr. Vince Clinical Research, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tor D Wager
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Mark A Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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Cerda IH, Therond A, Moreau S, Studer K, Donjow AR, Crowther JE, Mazzolenis ME, Lang M, Tolba R, Gilligan C, Ashina S, Kaye AD, Yong RJ, Schatman ME, Robinson CL. Telehealth and Virtual Reality Technologies in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:83-94. [PMID: 38175490 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01205-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides medical practitioners with an overview of the present and emergent roles of telehealth and associated virtual reality (VR) applications in chronic pain (CP) management, particularly in the post-COVID-19 healthcare landscape. RECENT FINDINGS Accumulated evidence points to the efficacy of now well-established telehealth modalities, such as videoconferencing, short messaging service (SMS), and mobile health (mHealth) applications in complementing remote CP care. More recently, and although still in early phases of clinical implementation, a wide range of VR-based interventions have demonstrated potential for improving the asynchronous remote management of CP. Additionally, VR-associated technologies at the leading edge of science and engineering, such as VR-assisted biofeedback, haptic technology, high-definition three-dimensional (HD3D) conferencing, VR-enabled interactions in a Metaverse, and the use of wearable monitoring devices, herald a new era for remote, synchronous patient-physician interactions. These advancements hold the potential to facilitate remote physical examinations, personalized remote care, and innovative interventions such as ultra-realistic biofeedback. Despite the promise of VR-associated technologies, several limitations remain, including the paucity of robust long-term effectiveness data, heterogeneity of reported pain-related outcomes, challenges with scalability and insurance coverage, and demographic-specific barriers to patient acceptability. Future research efforts should be directed toward mitigating these limitations to facilitate the integration of telehealth-associated VR into the conventional management of CP. Despite ongoing barriers to widespread adoption, recent evidence suggests that VR-based interventions hold an increasing potential to complement and enhance the remote delivery of CP care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo H Cerda
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Alexandra Therond
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sacha Moreau
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kachina Studer
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department Mechanical Engineering, Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Jason E Crowther
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Maria Emilia Mazzolenis
- Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, John A, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Min Lang
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reda Tolba
- Pain Management Department in the Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Christopher Gilligan
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sait Ashina
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - R Jason Yong
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael E Schatman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health-Division of Medical Ethics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher L Robinson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Slatman S, Staal JB, van Goor H, Ostelo R, Soer R, Knoop J. Limited use of virtual reality in primary care physiotherapy for patients with chronic pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:168. [PMID: 38388377 PMCID: PMC10882888 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07285-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a disabling condition which is prevalent in about 20% of the adult population. Physiotherapy is the most common non-pharmacological treatment option for chronic pain, but often demonstrates unsatisfactory outcomes. Virtual Reality (VR) may offer the opportunity to complement physiotherapy treatment. As VR has only recently been introduced in physiotherapy care, it is unknown to what extent VR is used and how it is valued by physiotherapists. The aim of this study was to analyse physiotherapists' current usage of, experiences with and physiotherapist characteristics associated with applying therapeutic VR for chronic pain rehabilitation in Dutch primary care physiotherapy. METHODS This online survey applied two rounds of recruitment: a random sampling round (873 physiotherapists invited, of which 245 (28%) were included) and a purposive sampling round (20 physiotherapists using VR included). Survey results were reported descriptively and physiotherapist characteristics associated with VR use were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS In total, 265 physiotherapists participated in this survey study. Approximately 7% of physiotherapists reported using therapeutic VR for patients with chronic pain. On average, physiotherapists rated their overall experience with therapeutic VR at 7.0 and "whether they would recommend it" at 7.2, both on a 0-10 scale. Most physiotherapists (71%) who use therapeutic VR started using it less than two years ago and use it for a small proportion of their patients with chronic pain. Physiotherapists use therapeutic VR for a variety of conditions, including generalized (55%), neck (45%) and lumbar (37%) chronic pain. Physiotherapists use therapeutic VR mostly to reduce pain (68%), improve coordination (50%) and increase physical mobility (45%). Use of therapeutic VR was associated with a larger physiotherapy practice (OR = 2.38, 95% CI [1.14-4.98]). Unfamiliarity with VR seemed to be the primary reason for not using VR. DISCUSSION Therapeutic VR for patients with chronic pain is in its infancy in Dutch primary care physiotherapy practice as only a small minority uses VR. Physiotherapists that use therapeutic VR are modestly positive about the technology, with large heterogeneity between treatment goals, methods of administering VR, proposed working mechanisms and chronic pain conditions to treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syl Slatman
- School of Allied Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
- Biomedical Signals and Systems Group, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - J Bart Staal
- School of Allied Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Raymond Ostelo
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit & Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Remko Soer
- mProve Hospitals, Zwolle, the Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jesper Knoop
- School of Allied Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Saby A, Alvarez A, Smolins D, Petros J, Nguyen L, Trujillo M, Aygün O. Effects of Embodiment in Virtual Reality for Treatment of Chronic Pain: Pilot Open-Label Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e34162. [PMID: 38363591 PMCID: PMC10907942 DOI: 10.2196/34162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain has long been a major health burden that has been addressed through numerous forms of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. One of the tenets of modern medicine is to minimize risk while providing efficacy. Further, because of its noninvasive nature, virtual reality (VR) provides an attractive platform for potentially developing novel therapeutic modalities. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a novel VR-based digital therapy for the treatment of chronic pain. METHODS An open-label study assessed the feasibility of using virtual embodiment in VR to treat chronic pain. In total, 24 patients with chronic pain were recruited from local pain clinics and completed 8 sessions of a novel digital therapeutic that combines virtual embodiment with graded motor imagery to deliver functional rehabilitation exercises over the course of 4 weeks. Pain intensity as measured by a visual analog scale before and after each virtual embodiment training session was used as the primary outcome measure. Additionally, a battery of patient-reported pain questionnaires (Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire) were administered before and after 8 sessions of virtual embodiment training as exploratory outcome measures to assess if the measures are appropriate and warrant a larger randomized controlled trial. RESULTS A 2-way ANOVA on session × pre- versus postvirtual embodiment training revealed that individual virtual embodiment training sessions significantly reduced the intensity of pain as measured by the visual analog scale (P<.001). Perceived disability due to lower back pain as measured by the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire significantly improved (P=.003) over the 4-week course of virtual embodiment regimen. Improvement was also observed on the helplessness subscale of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that functional rehabilitation exercises delivered in VR are safe and may have positive effects on alleviating the symptoms of chronic pain. Additionally, the virtual embodiment intervention may improve perceived disability and helplessness of patients with chronic pain after 8 sessions. The results support the justification for a larger randomized controlled trial to assess the extent to which virtual embodiment training can exert an effect on symptoms associated with chronic pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04060875; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04060875.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Saby
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Occupational Health Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | | | - James Petros
- Allied Pain and Spine, San Jose, CA, United States
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Bi Y, Liu X, Zhao X, Wei S, Li J, Wang F, Luo W, Hu L. Enhancing pain modulation: the efficacy of synchronous combination of virtual reality and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Gen Psychiatr 2023; 36:e101164. [PMID: 38143714 PMCID: PMC10749042 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Virtual reality (VR) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have emerged as effective interventions for pain reduction. However, their standalone applications often yield limited analgesic effects, particularly in certain painful conditions. Aims Our hypothesis was that the combination of VR with TENS in a synchronous manner could produce the best analgesic effect among the four experimental conditions. Methods To address this challenge, we proposed a novel pain modulation strategy that synchronously combines VR and TENS, aiming to capitalise on both techniques' complementary pain modulation mechanisms. Thirty-two healthy subjects participated in the study and underwent three types of interventions: VR alone, a combination of VR with conventional TENS, and a combination of VR with synchronous TENS. Additionally, a control condition with no intervention was included. Perceived pain intensity, pain unpleasantness, positive and negative affect scores, and electroencephalographic (EEG) data were collected before and after the interventions. To delve into the potential moderating role of pain intensity on the analgesic efficacy of VR combined with synchronous TENS, we incorporated two distinct levels of painful stimuli: one representing mild to moderate pain (ie, low pain) and the other representing moderate to severe pain (ie, high pain). Results Our findings revealed that both combination interventions exhibited superior analgesic effects compared with the VR-alone intervention when exposed to low and high pain stimuli. Notably, the combination of VR with synchronous TENS demonstrated greater analgesic efficacy than the combination of VR with conventional TENS. EEG data further supported these results, indicating that both combination interventions elicited a greater reduction in event-related potential magnitude compared with the VR-alone intervention during exposure to low and high pain stimuli. Moreover, the synchronous combination intervention induced a more significant reduction in N2 amplitude than the VR-alone intervention during exposure to low pain stimuli. No significant differences in EEG response changes were detected between the two combination interventions. Both combination interventions resulted in a greater reduction in negative affect compared with the VR-alone intervention. Conclusions Altogether, our study highlights the effectiveness of the synchronous combination of VR and TENS in enhancing pain modulation. These findings offer valuable insights for developing innovative pain treatments, emphasising the importance of tailored and multifaceted therapeutic approaches for various painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhi Bi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Research Center of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiangyue Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyu Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Faguang Wang
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Wenzhou Polytechnic, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenbo Luo
- Research Center of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Li Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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David R, Dumas A, Ojardias E, Duval S, Ounajim A, Perrochon A, Luque-Moreno C, Moens M, Goudman L, Rigoard P, Billot M. Virtual Reality for Decreasing Procedural Pain during Botulinum Toxin Injection Related to Spasticity Treatment in Adults: A Pilot Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 60:23. [PMID: 38256284 PMCID: PMC10818842 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Botulinum toxin injections are commonly used for the treatment of spasticity. However, injection procedures are associated with pain and procedural anxiety. While pharmacological approaches are commonly used to reduce these, innovative technology might be considered as a potential non-pharmacological alternative. Given this context, immersive virtual reality (VR) has shown effectiveness in the management of procedural pain. Our retrospective pilot study aimed to assess the potential added value of virtual reality in the management of pain and anxiety during intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen adult patients receiving botulinum toxin injections were included. A numerical rating scale was used to assess pain and anxiety during the injection procedure. The patients reported the pain experienced during previous injections without VR before injection and the pain experienced in the current procedure with VR after the end of the procedure. The level of satisfaction of VR experience, whether or not they agreed to reuse VR for the subsequent toxin botulinum injection, and whether or not they would recommend VR to other patients were assessed. RESULTS The use of virtual reality led to a decrease of 1.8 pain-related points compared to the procedure without technology. No significant improvement in the level of anxiety was reported. Patients were very satisfied with their VR experiences (7.9 out of 10), and many would agree to reuse VR in their next injection procedure (88%) and to recommend the use of VR in other patients (100%). CONCLUSION VR was useful for managing procedural pain related to botulinum toxin injection in adults, with a high level of satisfaction reported by the patients. VR should be considered as a valuable alternative to pharmacological approaches to manage procedural pain during botulinum toxin injection in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain David
- PRISMATICS Lab (Predictive Research in Spine/Neuromodulation Management and Thoracic Innovation/Cardiac Surgery), Poitiers University Hospital, 86000 Poitiers, France; (A.O.)
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Poitiers University Hospital, University of Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Alexis Dumas
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Poitiers University Hospital, University of Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Etienne Ojardias
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Trajectoires Team, Inserm UMR-S 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon1 and Saint-Etienne Universities, 42270 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Solène Duval
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Poitiers University Hospital, University of Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Amine Ounajim
- PRISMATICS Lab (Predictive Research in Spine/Neuromodulation Management and Thoracic Innovation/Cardiac Surgery), Poitiers University Hospital, 86000 Poitiers, France; (A.O.)
| | | | - Carlos Luque-Moreno
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain;
| | - Maarten Moens
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- STIMULUS Consortium (Research and Teaching Neuromodulation uz Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Jette, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lisa Goudman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- STIMULUS Consortium (Research and Teaching Neuromodulation uz Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Jette, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Rigoard
- PRISMATICS Lab (Predictive Research in Spine/Neuromodulation Management and Thoracic Innovation/Cardiac Surgery), Poitiers University Hospital, 86000 Poitiers, France; (A.O.)
- Department of Neuro-Spine Surgery & Neuromodulation, Poitiers University Hospital, 86000 Poitiers, France
- Prime Institute UPR 3346, CNRS, ISAE-ENSMA, University of Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Maxime Billot
- PRISMATICS Lab (Predictive Research in Spine/Neuromodulation Management and Thoracic Innovation/Cardiac Surgery), Poitiers University Hospital, 86000 Poitiers, France; (A.O.)
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11
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Mahalan N, Smitha M. Effect of audio-visual therapy on pain and anxiety in labor: A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2023; 20:100240. [PMID: 37771959 PMCID: PMC10522975 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Birth pain affects women at a physical and psychological level. Pain is subjective, and perception will vary among individuals depending on their health status, pain tolerance, and psychological state. Labor pain can drastically affect the birth process and delivery outcomes if not managed well, ranging from poor maternal satisfaction and impaired maternal-newborn bonding to prolonged labor and fetal distress. Since pharmacological pain relief methods harm the fetus, non-pharmacological pain relief methods are gaining popularity among laboring women and healthcare professionals. Objectives The study aimed to evaluate the effect of audio-visual therapy on labor pain and maternal anxiety. Methods A randomized, controlled, open-label, single-center trial was conducted among 76 primigravida women with no obstetrical complications during the active phase of labor (4-8 cm cervical dilatation). The participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving 50 min of virtual reality intervention or a control group receiving standard care using a computer-generated random sequence. The data related to pain and anxiety were collected using the personal information form, anxiety assessment scale for pregnant women in labor, present behavioral intensity scale, numerical pain rating scale, and post-delivery birth satisfaction checklist. Results Groups were homogenous in terms of demographic and obstetric variables. The virtual reality intervention reduced the experimental group's reported pain intensity and anxiety score. However, no statistically significant difference was noted in maternal vital signs and labor and neonatal outcomes between the groups. Conclusion The virtual reality intervention reduced labor pain intensity and anxiety among laboring women compared to standard care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Mahalan
- M.Sc. Nursing (Obstetrics and Gynecology), College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751019, India
| | - M.V. Smitha
- Associate Professor, College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751019, India
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12
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Li J, Yang H, Xiao Y, Liu X, Ma B, Ma K, Hu L, Lu X. The analgesic effects and neural oscillatory mechanisms of virtual reality scenes based on distraction and mindfulness strategies in human volunteers. Br J Anaesth 2023; 131:1082-1092. [PMID: 37798154 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) has been widely used as a non-pharmacological adjunct to pain management. However, there is no consensus on what type of VR content is the best for pain alleviation and by what means VR modulates pain perception. We used three experiments to explore the analgesic effect of VR scenes in healthy adult volunteers. METHODS We first compared the effect of immersive VR on pain perception with active (i.e. non-immersive, two-dimensional video) and passive (i.e. no VR or audiovisual input) controls at both subjective perceptual (Experiment 1) and electrophysiological (electroencephalography) levels (Experiment 2), and then explored possible analgesic mechanisms responsible for VR scenes conveying different strategies (e.g. exploration or mindfulness; Experiment 3). RESULTS The multisensory experience of the VR environment lowered pain intensity and unpleasantness induced by contact heat stimuli when compared with two control conditions (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The reduced pain intensity rating correlated with decreased P2 amplitude (r=0.433, P<0.001) and increased pre-stimulus spontaneous gamma oscillations (r=-0.339, P=0.004) by 32-channel electroencephalography. A VR exploration scene induced a strong sense of immersion that was associated with increased pre-stimulus gamma oscillations (r=0.529, P<0.001), whereas a VR mindfulness meditation scene had a minor effect on immersive feelings but induced strong pre-stimulus alpha oscillations (r=-0.550, P<0.001), which led to a comparable analgesic effect. CONCLUSIONS Distinct neural mechanisms are responsible for VR-induced analgesia, deepening our understanding of the analgesic benefits of VR and its neural electrophysiological correlates. These findings support further development of digital healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haoyu Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yian Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Research Center of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Bingjie Ma
- Department of Pain Management, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Department of Pain Management, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejing Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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13
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Radzikowska-Büchner E, Łopuszyńska I, Flieger W, Tobiasz M, Maciejewski R, Flieger J. An Overview of Recent Developments in the Management of Burn Injuries. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16357. [PMID: 38003548 PMCID: PMC10671630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 11 million people suffer from burns every year, and 180,000 die from them. A burn is a condition in which heat, chemical substances, an electrical current or other factors cause tissue damage. Burns mainly affect the skin, but can also affect deeper tissues such as bones or muscles. When burned, the skin loses its main functions, such as protection from the external environment, pathogens, evaporation and heat loss. Depending on the stage of the burn, the patient's condition and the cause of the burn, we need to choose the most appropriate treatment. Personalization and multidisciplinary collaboration are key to the successful management of burn patients. In this comprehensive review, we have collected and discussed the available treatment options, focusing on recent advances in topical treatments, wound cleansing, dressings, skin grafting, nutrition, pain and scar tissue management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Radzikowska-Büchner
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillary Surgery, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Wołoska 137 Street, 02-507 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Inga Łopuszyńska
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillary Surgery, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Wołoska 137 Street, 02-507 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Flieger
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4 Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Michał Tobiasz
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery and Burn Treatment, Medical University of Lublin, Krasnystawska 52 Street, 21-010 Łęczna, Poland;
| | - Ryszard Maciejewski
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101 Street, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Kim J, Jun K, Park S, Lee SW. Bibliometric Analysis of Research Articles on Virtual Reality in the Field of Pain Medicine Published from 1993 to 2022. J Pain Res 2023; 16:3881-3893. [PMID: 38026462 PMCID: PMC10655739 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s432113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to analyze global and regional (China, Japan, and South Korea) research on virtual reality (VR) in the field of pain medicine over the past 30 years. Specifically, we quantify VR-related publications, examine the distribution of research topics on chronic and acute pain, and identify trends and future directions. Methods The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database was used for bibliometric analysis. This study included articles written in English between 1993 and 2022. The search strategy used predefined terms related to VR and pain. Based on the articles' titles and abstracts, two pain physicians independently reviewed and classified them as acute or chronic pain. Quantitative data on countries, institutions, journals, and research categories were analyzed. VOSviewer software was used for keyword mapping and clustering. Results We analyzed 808 VR-related articles on pain medicine. Over the past three decades, the number of publications in this field has increased steadily. The United States of America (n = 259) had the highest number of publications. Moreover, China (n = 42), Japan (n = 18), and South Korea (n = 24) also contributed continuously. Acute and chronic pain research accounted for 44.2% and 37.9% of the articles, respectively. The most common acute pain topic was procedure-related (n = 129, 16.0%), whereas the most common chronic pain topic was neuropathic (n = 104, 12.9%). Keywords clustered around neuroscience, pediatric pain management, and chronic pain management. Conclusion Our study revealed academic achievements and growing interest in VR-related research in pain medicine. Researchers worldwide have shown balanced interest in applying VR technology to acute and chronic pain, with specific contributions from China, Japan, and South Korea. Harnessing VR technology is promising for improving pain management and enhancing patients' quality of life in the field of pain medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongsoo Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwanghoon Jun
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyong Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Won Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Betka S, Kannape OA, Fasola J, Lance F, Cardin S, Schmit A, Similowski T, Soccal PM, Herbelin B, Adler D, Blanke O. Virtual reality intervention alleviates dyspnoea in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00570-2022. [PMID: 38020572 PMCID: PMC10658613 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00570-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immersive virtual reality (iVR)-based digital therapeutics are gaining clinical attention in the field of pain management. Based on known analogies between pain and dyspnoea, we investigated the effects of visual respiratory feedback on persistent dyspnoea in patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Methods We performed a controlled, randomised, single-blind, crossover proof-of-concept study (feasibility and initial clinical efficacy) to evaluate an iVR-based intervention to alleviate dyspnoea in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. Included patients reported persistent dyspnoea (≥5 on a 10-point scale) and preserved cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score >24). Assignment was random and concealed. Patients received synchronous (intervention) or asynchronous (control) feedback of their breathing, embodied via a gender-matched virtual body. The virtual body flashed in a waxing and waning visual effect that could be synchronous or asynchronous to the patient's respiratory movements. Outcomes were assessed using questionnaires and breathing recordings. Results Study enrolment was open between November 2020 and April 2021. 26 patients were enrolled (27% women; median age 55 years, interquartile range (IQR) 18 years). Data were available for 24 of 26 patients. The median rating on a 7-point Likert scale of breathing comfort improved from 1 (IQR 2) at baseline to 2 (IQR 1) for synchronous feedback, but remained unchanged at 1 (IQR 1.5) for asynchronous feedback (p<0.05 between iVR conditions). Moreover, 91.2% of all patients were satisfied with the intervention (p<0.0001) and 66.7% perceived it as beneficial for their breathing (p<0.05). Conclusion Our iVR-based digital therapy presents a feasible and safe respiratory rehabilitation tool that improves breathing comfort in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection presenting with persistent dyspnoea. Future research should investigate the intervention's generalisability to persistent dyspnoea with other aetiologies and its potential for preventing chronification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Betka
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint first authors
| | - Oliver Alan Kannape
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
- MindMaze SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Virtual Medicine Center, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint first authors
| | - Jemina Fasola
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Florian Lance
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Aline Schmit
- Division of Lung Diseases, University Hospital and Geneva Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Similowski
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département R3S, Paris, France
| | - Paola Marina Soccal
- Division of Lung Diseases, University Hospital and Geneva Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Herbelin
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint senior authors
| | - Dan Adler
- Division of Lung Diseases, University Hospital and Geneva Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint senior authors
| | - Olaf Blanke
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint senior authors
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Flores-Cortes M, Guerra-Armas J, Pineda-Galan C, La Touche R, Luque-Suarez A. Sensorimotor Uncertainty of Immersive Virtual Reality Environments for People in Pain: Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1461. [PMID: 37891829 PMCID: PMC10604973 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decision making and action execution both rely on sensory information, and their primary objective is to minimise uncertainty. Virtual reality (VR) introduces uncertainty due to the imprecision of perceptual information. The concept of "sensorimotor uncertainty" is a pivotal element in the interplay between perception and action within the VR environment. The role of immersive VR in the four stages of motor behaviour decision making in people with pain has been previously discussed. These four processing levels are the basis to understand the uncertainty that a patient experiences when using VR: sensory information, current state, transition rules, and the outcome obtained. METHODS This review examines the different types of uncertainty that a patient may experience when they are immersed in a virtual reality environment in a context of pain. Randomised clinical trials, a secondary analysis of randomised clinical trials, and pilot randomised clinical trials related to the scope of Sensorimotor Uncertainty in Immersive Virtual Reality were included after searching. RESULTS Fifty studies were included in this review. They were divided into four categories regarding the type of uncertainty the intervention created and the stage of the decision-making model. CONCLUSIONS Immersive virtual reality makes it possible to alter sensorimotor uncertainty, but studies of higher methodological quality are needed on this topic, as well as an exploration into the patient profile for pain management using immersive VR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Flores-Cortes
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | | | | | - Roy La Touche
- Instituto de Dolor Craneofacial y Neuromusculoesquelético (INDCRAN), 28008 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Luque-Suarez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), 29071 Malaga, Spain
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Flores A, Hoffman HG, Navarro-Haro MV, Garcia-Palacios A, Atzori B, Le May S, Alhalabi W, Sampaio M, Fontenot MR, Mason KP. Using Immersive Virtual Reality Distraction to Reduce Fear and Anxiety before Surgery. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2697. [PMID: 37830734 PMCID: PMC10572694 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11192697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Presurgical anxiety is very common and is often treated with sedatives. Minimizing or avoiding sedation reduces the risk of sedation-related adverse events. Reducing sedation can increase early cognitive recovery and reduce time to discharge after surgery. The current case study is the first to explore the use of interactive eye-tracked VR as a nonpharmacologic anxiolytic customized for physically immobilized presurgery patients. Method: A 44-year-old female patient presenting for gallbladder surgery participated. Using a within-subject repeated measures design (treatment order randomized), the participant received no VR during one portion of her preoperative wait and interactive eye-tracked virtual reality during an equivalent portion of time in the presurgery room. After each condition (no VR vs. VR), the participant provided subjective 0-10 ratings and state-trait short form Y anxiety measures of the amount of anxiety and fear she experienced during that condition. Results: As predicted, compared to treatment as usual (no VR), the patient reported having 67% lower presurgical anxiety during VR. She also experienced "strong fear" (8 out of 10) during no VR vs. "no fear" (0 out of 10) during VR. She reported a strong sense of presence during VR and zero nausea. She liked VR, she had fun during VR, and she recommended VR to future patients during pre-op. Interactive VR distraction with eye tracking was an effective nonpharmacologic technique for reducing anticipatory fear and anxiety prior to surgery. The results add to existing evidence that supports the use of VR in perioperative settings. VR technology has recently become affordable and more user friendly, increasing the potential for widespread dissemination into medical practice. Although case studies are scientifically inconclusive by nature, they help identify new directions for future larger, carefully controlled studies. VR sedation is a promising non-drug fear and anxiety management technique meriting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Flores
- Ben Taub Hospital Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, TX 79918, USA
- El Paso VA Health Care System, Veterans Health Administration, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, El Paso, TX 79930, USA
| | - Hunter G. Hoffman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Maria Vicenta Navarro-Haro
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 44003 Teruel, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IISA), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Azucena Garcia-Palacios
- Department of Basic Psychology, Clinic and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, 12006 Castelló de la Plana, Spain;
| | - Barbara Atzori
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Sylvie Le May
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut, Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal (CRIUSMM), Montreal, QC H1N 3M5, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H1N 3M5, Canada
| | - Wadee Alhalabi
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Computer Science, Dar Alhekma University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariana Sampaio
- Department of Social Work, Catholic University of Portugal, 1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Department of Psychology, University of Coimbra, 1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miles R. Fontenot
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Keira P. Mason
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
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Logan DE, Khanna K, Randall E, O’Donnell S, Reks T, McLennan L. Centering Patient and Clinician Voices in Developing Tools to Address Pain Related School Impairment: A Phase I Study of a Virtual Reality School Simulation for Children and Adolescents with Chronic Pain. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1644. [PMID: 37892307 PMCID: PMC10604946 DOI: 10.3390/children10101644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Building on growing evidence supporting virtual reality (VR) interventions for pain management, this study describes the process of developing vReal-School (vRS), a VR-based school simulation for children and adolescents with chronic pain and associated school impairment. Following guidelines for developing user-centered VR interventions, initial phases of intervention development focus on understanding and incorporating patient and clinician perspectives when designing this digital health tool. Phase I entailed focus groups with patients undergoing intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT). A total of 19 participants across four focus groups shared their experiences related to dealing with pain at school and provided initial feedback on the concept of a VR-based school simulation. In phase II, we pilot-tested a vRS prototype and collected patient and clinician feedback via mixed method approaches. Phase I results highlight four themes related to pain in school, including physical/environmental challenges and solutions, academic challenges and solutions, peer interaction challenges and solutions, and teacher interaction challenges and solutions. These themes guided the development of our vRS prototype. Nine patients and eleven treating clinicians then engaged with the vRS prototype and provided feedback via semi-structured interviews and validated self-report measures. The results indicate high levels of patient engagement/immersion (mean total score of 17.0 on the Child Presence Measure). Qualitative feedback from both groups identified positive aspects of vRS, including finding the simulation realistic and easy to use and offering ways to address school functioning goals that are not otherwise feasible in the IIPT setting. Areas for improvement included integrating more physical movement as well as increasing the number of scenarios and the level of demands of the tasks available. Both patients and clinicians found vRS to be useful in the IIPT context and relevant to treatment goals. This user input will guide subsequent iterations of intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre E. Logan
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karina Khanna
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Edin Randall
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Mayo Family Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shealyn O’Donnell
- Mayo Family Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Talis Reks
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Logan McLennan
- Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences, Medford, MA 02153, USA;
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Florea R, Linnstaedt SD, Géranton SM. Editorial: Mechanisms underlying the interactions between stress and pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1285257. [PMID: 37766818 PMCID: PMC10520551 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1285257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Florea
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah D. Linnstaedt
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sandrine M. Géranton
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Arcos-Holzinger M, Biebl JT, Storz C, Gutmann M, Azad SC, Holzapfel BM, Kraft E. Virtual reality in managing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): a scoping review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1069381. [PMID: 37745669 PMCID: PMC10513177 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1069381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a severe pain disorder that does not yet have a specific treatment. Patients with CRPS not only suffer from a wide range of symptoms that affect their quality of life but also present psychological affections to the way they see their body and specifically their affected limb. Virtual Reality (VR) modalities have become a targeted treatment for chronic pain and in the case of CRPS, may be a valuable approach to the mechanisms that affect these patients. Objectives Using the PRISMA Scoping Review guidelines, we intend to uncover the key information from the studies available about VR modalities in the treatment of CRPS. We focus on the improvement of pain levels, body perception disturbances (BPD), and limb movement/daily function. Results Our search strategy resulted in 217 articles from PubMed. Twenty were assessed for eligibility and seven were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Of these seven articles, we included a clinical trial, three pilot studies, a blinded randomized controlled trial, a crossover double-blind trial, and a randomized controlled trial. These studies provide important subjective patient findings, along with some statistically significant results in the experiences of VR therapies modulating pain, BPD, and improving limb movement/daily function. However, not all the studies included statistical analysis, and there are contradicting data found from some patients that did not perceive any improvement from VR therapies. Conclusions We describe the results found in 7 articles that focus on the treatment of CRPS with VR modalities. Overall, the articles have various limitations, but the strategies related to immersive virtual reality, cardiac signaling, body switching and limb modulation have shown the most promising results for pain reduction and BPD improvement. These strategies reflect on pathophysiological mechanisms that are hypothesized to be affected in CRPS patients leading to the chronic pain and BPD that they experience. Not much evidence was found for improvement in limb movement and daily function. This review is a pathway for future studies on this topic and a more extensive data synthesis when more information is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Arcos-Holzinger
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Johanna Theresia Biebl
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Storz
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Gutmann
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Shahnaz Christina Azad
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Pain Unit, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Boris Michael Holzapfel
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eduard Kraft
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Pain Unit, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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21
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Gustin SM, Bolding M, Willoughby W, Anam M, Shum C, Rumble D, Mark VW, Mitchell L, Cowan RE, Richardson E, Richards S, Trost Z. Cortical Mechanisms Underlying Immersive Interactive Virtual Walking Treatment for Amelioration of Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury: Findings from a Preliminary Investigation of Thalamic Inhibitory Function. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5743. [PMID: 37685810 PMCID: PMC10488675 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) affects approximately 60% of individuals with SCI. Effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments remain elusive. We recently demonstrated that our immersive virtual reality walking intervention (VRWalk) may be effective for SCI NP. Additionally, we found that SCI NP may result from a decrease in thalamic γ-aminobutyric-acid (GABA), which disturbs central sensorimotor processing. OBJECTIVE While we identified GABAergic changes associated with SCI NP, a critical outstanding question is whether a decrease in SCI NP generated by our VRWalk intervention causes GABA content to rise. METHOD A subset of participants (n = 7) of our VRWalk trial underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy pre- and post-VRWalk intervention to determine if the decrease in SCI NP is associated with an increase in thalamic GABA. RESULTS The findings revealed a significant increase in thalamic GABA content from pre- to post-VRWalk treatment. CONCLUSION While the current findings are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution, pre- to post-VRWalk reductions in SCI NP may be mediated by pre- to post-treatment increases in thalamic GABA by targeting and normalizing maladaptive sensorimotor cortex reorganization. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of pain recovery can serve to validate the efficacy of home-based VR walking treatment as a means of managing pain following SCI. Neuromodulatory interventions aimed at increasing thalamic inhibitory function may provide more effective pain relief than currently available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia M. Gustin
- NeuroRecovery Research Hub, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney 2031, Australia
| | - Mark Bolding
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - William Willoughby
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Monima Anam
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA (L.M.)
| | - Corey Shum
- Immersive Experience Laboratories LLC, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA
| | - Deanna Rumble
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR 72035, USA
| | - Victor W. Mark
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Lucie Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA (L.M.)
| | - Rachel E. Cowan
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Elizabeth Richardson
- Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, University of Montevallo, Montevallo, AL 35115, USA
| | - Scott Richards
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Zina Trost
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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22
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Morris NA, Wang Y, Felix RB, Rao A, Arnold S, Khalid M, Armahizer MJ, Murthi SB, Colloca L. Adjunctive virtual reality pain relief after traumatic injury: a proof-of-concept within-person randomized trial. Pain 2023; 164:2122-2129. [PMID: 37079851 PMCID: PMC10440261 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In this study, we hypothesized that immersive virtual reality (VR) environments may reduce pain in patients with acute traumatic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. We performed a randomized within-subject study in patients hospitalized with acute traumatic injuries, including traumatic brain injury with moderate pain (numeric pain score ≥3 of 10). We compared 3 conditions: (1) an immersive VR environment (VR Blu), (2) a content control with the identical environment delivered through nonimmersive tablet computer (Tablet Blu), and (3) a second control composed of donning VR headgear without content to control for placebo effects and sensory deprivation (VR Blank). We enrolled 60 patients, and 48 patients completed all 3 conditions. Objective and subjective data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Controlling for demographics, baseline pain, and injury severity, we found differences by conditions in relieving pain (F 2,75.43 = 3.32, P = 0.042). VR Blu pain reduction was greater than Tablet Blu (-0.92 vs -0.16, P = 0.043), but VR Blu pain reduction was similar to VR Blank (-0.92 vs -1.24, P = 0.241). VR Blu was perceived as most effective by patients for pain reduction (F 2,66.84 = 16.28, P < 0.001), and changes in measures of parasympathetic activity including heart rate variability (F 2,55.511 = 7.87, P < 0.001) and pupillary maximum constriction velocity (F 2,61.41 = 3.50, 1-tailed P = 0.038) echoed these effects. There were no effects on opioid usage. These findings outlined a potential clinical benefit for mollifying pain related to traumatic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Morris
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Program in Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ryan B Felix
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Program in Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aniruddha Rao
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shannon Arnold
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Program in Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mazhar Khalid
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Sarah B Murthi
- Program in Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD
- Departments of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
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23
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Janevic MR, Murnane E, Fillingim RB, Kerns RD, Reid MC. Mapping the Design Space of Technology-Based Solutions for Better Chronic Pain Care: Introducing the Pain Tech Landscape. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:612-618. [PMID: 37010232 PMCID: PMC10523878 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Technology has substantial potential to transform and extend care for persons with chronic pain, a burdensome and costly condition. To catalyze the development of impactful applications of technology in this space, we developed the Pain Tech Landscape (PTL) model, which integrates pain care needs with characteristics of technological solutions. METHODS Our interdisciplinary group representing experts in pain and human factors research developed PTL through iterative discussions. To demonstrate one potential use of the model, we apply data generated from a narrative review of selected pain and technology journals (2000-2020) in the form of heat map overlays, to reveal where pain tech research attention has focused to date. RESULTS The PTL comprises three two-dimensional planes, with pain care needs on each x axis (measurement to management) and technology applications on the y axes according to a) user agency (user- to system-driven), b) usage time frame (temporary to lifelong), and c) collaboration (single-user to collaborative). Heat maps show that existing applications reside primarily in the "user-driven/management" quadrant (e.g., self-care apps). Examples of less developed areas include artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (i.e., Internet-linked household objects), and collaborative/social tools for pain management. CONCLUSIONS Collaborative development between the pain and tech fields in early developmental stages using the PTL as a common language could yield impactful solutions for chronic pain management. The PTL could also be used to track developments in the field over time. We encourage periodic reassessment and refinement of the PTL model, which can also be adapted to other chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R Janevic
- From the University of Michigan School of Public Health (Janevic), Ann Arbor, Michigan; Dartmouth College Thayer School of Engineering (Murnane), Hanover, New Hampshire; University of Florida College of Dentistry (Fillingim), Gainesville, Florida; Yale University (Kerns), New Haven, Connecticut; and Weill Cornell Medicine (Reid), New York City, New York
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24
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Bilika P, Karampatsou N, Stavrakakis G, Paliouras A, Theodorakis Y, Strimpakos N, Kapreli E. Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Therapy for Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2412. [PMID: 37685446 PMCID: PMC10487144 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11172412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to identify interventions utilizing virtual-reality-based exercise therapy in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Searches were conducted in four databases using descriptors related to virtual reality, exercise, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Two reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the studies to assess eligibility, with a third author resolving any discrepancies. Data were extracted and summarized in a narrative format by three independent raters. Clinical trials were evaluated using the PEDro scale to assess the effectiveness of virtual-reality-based exercise therapy in chronic musculoskeletal pain patients. A total of 162 articles were identified from the databases. After applying the inclusion criteria, nine articles were considered suitable for analysis, including six randomized clinical trials. The selected articles were categorized based on study characteristics, virtual-reality-based exercise therapy interventions (including technologies and equipment used), exercise interventions, outcome measures, and effectiveness. The findings indicate that virtual-reality-based exercise therapy shows promising results in reducing pain, improving disability, enhancing range of motion, and increasing treatment satisfaction in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, it is not possible to conclude that virtual-reality-based exercise therapy is superior to other treatments due to the limited number of available studies, heterogeneity in application protocols, and varying methodological quality. Further research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Bilika
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
| | - Natalia Karampatsou
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
| | - Giorgos Stavrakakis
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
| | - Achilleas Paliouras
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
| | - Yannis Theodorakis
- Exercise Psychology & Quality of Life Research Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Strimpakos
- Health Assessment and Quality of Life Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, Honorary Research Associate, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Eleni Kapreli
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
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25
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Alrimy T, Alhalabi W, Malibari A, Alzahrani F, Alrajhi S, Yamani A, Ahmed H, Abduljawad A, Nasser E, ALattar S, Alharby B, Khalid H, Alhalabi M, Hoffman HG, Mason KP. Desktop Virtual Reality Offers a Novel Approach to Minimize Pain and Anxiety during Burn Wound Cleaning/Debridement in Infants and Young Children: A Randomized Crossover Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4985. [PMID: 37568388 PMCID: PMC10419830 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although most scald burn injuries involve children under six, because of the challenges of using head mounted displays with young children there is very little research exploring the use of VR in children under six. The current clinical pilot study measured the analgesic effectiveness of our new desktop VR system (with no VR helmet) in children under six during burn wound care (a within-subjects design with randomized treatment order). Between December 2021-April 2022, nine children with burn injuries (10 months to 5 years age, mean = 18 months) participated. The mean burn size was 10% Total Body Surface Area, range 2-22%. Using nurse's ratings, VR significantly reduced children's pain during burn wound care by 40% on the observational Faces, Legs, Activity, Crying, and Consolability (FLACC) pain scale. Specifically, non-parametric within-subject sign tests compared nurse's ratings of the young patients' pain during burn wound care using usual pain medications with no VR = 6.67, (SD = 2.45) vs. adjunctive Animal Rescue World VR (VR = 4.00, SD = 2.24, p < 0.01). The observational Procedure-Behavior Checklist (PBCL) nurse's scale measured a 34% reduction in anxiety with VR as compared to pharmacologic treatment alone (p < 0.005). Similarly, when using single graphic rating scales the patients' parents reported a significant 36% decrease in their child's pain during VR (p < 0.05), a 38% (p < 0.005) decrease in their child's anxiety during VR, and a significant increase in patients' joy during VR. It can be concluded that during burn wound care with no distraction (traditional pain medications), children under 6 years old experienced severe pain during a 10 min burn wound cleaning session. During burn wound care combining desktop virtual reality and traditional pain medications, the same pediatric patients experienced only mild pain during burn wound cleaning/debridement. VR significantly reduced the children's pain and anxiety during burn wound care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taima Alrimy
- Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wadee Alhalabi
- Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Immersive Virtual Reality Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej Malibari
- Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatma Alzahrani
- Paediatric Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sharifah Alrajhi
- Statistics Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman Yamani
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn, Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makka 24241, Saudi Arabia
| | - Halah Ahmed
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn, Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makka 24241, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amro Abduljawad
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn, Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makka 24241, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam Nasser
- Burn Unit, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah 22421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar ALattar
- Burn Unit, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah 22421, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hasna Khalid
- Plastic Surgery Department, International Medical Center, Jeddah 23214, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alhalabi
- Immersive Virtual Reality Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hunter G. Hoffman
- Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering HPL, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Keira P. Mason
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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26
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Čeko M, Baeuerle T, Webster L, Wager TD, Lumley MA. The Effects of Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy on Clinical and Neuroimaging Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.24.23293109. [PMID: 37546872 PMCID: PMC10402228 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.24.23293109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain remains poorly managed. The integration of innovative immersive technologies (i.e., virtual reality (VR)) with recent neuroscience-based principles that position the brain as the key organ of chronic pain may provide a more effective pain treatment than traditional behavioral therapies. By targeting cognitive and affective processes that maintain pain and potentially directly changing neurobiological circuits associated with pain chronification and amplification, VR-based pain treatment has the potential for significant and long-lasting pain relief. We tested the effectiveness of a novel VR neuroscience-based therapy (VRNT) to improve pain-related outcomes in n = 31 participants with chronic back pain, evaluated against usual care (n = 30) in a 2-arm randomized clinical trial ( NCT04468074) . We also conducted pre- and post-treatment MRI to test whether VRNT affects brain networks previously linked to chronic pain and treatment effects. Compared to the control condition, VRNT led to significantly reduced pain intensity (g = 0.63) and pain interference (g = 0.84) at post-treatment vs. pre-treatment, with effects persisting at 2-week follow-up. The improvements were partially mediated by reduced kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing. Several secondary clinical outcomes were also improved, including disability, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue. In addition, VRNT was associated with modest increases in functional connectivity of the somatomotor and default mode networks and decreased white matter fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum adjacent to anterior cingula, relative to the control condition. This, VRNT showed preliminary efficacy in significantly reducing pain and improving overall functioning, possibly via changes in somatosensory and prefrontal brain networks.
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27
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Aulenkamp JL, Mosch L, Meyer-Frießem CH, Malewicz-Oeck NM. [Application possibilities of digital tools in postoperative pain therapy]. Schmerz 2023:10.1007/s00482-023-00732-7. [PMID: 37430071 PMCID: PMC10368541 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-023-00732-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, digital tools, such as smartphone-based applications and the use of artificial intelligence have increasingly found their way into pain medicine. This could enable new treatment approaches in postoperative pain management. Therefore, this article provides an overview of various digital tools and their potential application options in postoperative pain management. MATERIAL AND METHODS An orienting literature search was carried out in the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, and a targeted selection of essential key publications was made in order to provide a structured presentation of different current possible applications and a discussion based on the most recent knowledge. RESULTS Today, possible applications of digital tools, even if they mostly have only a model character, include pain documentation and assessment, patient self-management and education, pain prediction, decision support for medical staff, and supportive pain therapy, for example in the form of virtual reality and videos. These tools offer advantages such as individualized treatment concepts, addressing specific patient groups, reduction of pain and analgesics, and the potential for early warning or detection of postoperative pain. Furthermore, the challenges of the technical implementation and appropriate user training are highlighted. CONCLUSION The use of digital tools, although so far integrated in clinical routine in a relatively selective and exemplary manner, promises to be an innovative approach for personalized postoperative pain therapy in the future. Future studies and projects should help to integrate the promising research approaches into everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana L Aulenkamp
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.
| | - Lina Mosch
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie mit Schwerpunkt operative Intensivmedizin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
- Institut für Medizinische Informatik, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Christine H Meyer-Frießem
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensiv- und Schmerzmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil Bochum gGmbH, Bochum, Deutschland
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensiv- und Schmerzmedizin, St. Marien Hospital, Lünen, Deutschland
| | - Nathalie M Malewicz-Oeck
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensiv- und Schmerzmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil Bochum gGmbH, Bochum, Deutschland
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28
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Świdrak J, Arias A, de la Calle ER, Collado Cruz A, Sanchez-Vives MV. Virtual embodiment in fibromyalgia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10719. [PMID: 37400503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36861-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain alters the experience of owning a body and leads to disturbances in bodily perception. We tested whether women with fibromyalgia (FM) are receptive to bodily illusions of owning a visible and progressively invisible body in immersive virtual reality (VR), and what modulates this experience. Twenty patients participated in two experimental sessions; each session included two conditions in a counterbalanced order. We found that patients with FM could indeed experience virtual embodiment. Sentiment analysis revealed significantly more positive reactions to the progressively invisible body, yet twice as many patients declared they preferred the illusion of a visible virtual body. A linear mixed model revealed that the strength of embodiment was positively associated with body perception disturbances and negatively associated with FM symptoms intensity. No effect of pain during the VR experience nor interoception awareness on embodiment was found. The results indicated that patients with FM are receptive to virtual bodily illusions and that the impact of the embodiment depends on affective reactions, the level of cognitive body distortions, and the intensity of symptoms. Importantly, there is a large variation among patients which should be considered in future VR-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Świdrak
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institute of Psychology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ana Arias
- Rheumatology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edgar Rodriguez de la Calle
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maria V Sanchez-Vives
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
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Hoffman HG, Fontenot MR, Garcia-Palacios A, Greenleaf WJ, Alhalabi W, Curatolo M, Flor H. Adding tactile feedback increases avatar ownership and makes virtual reality more effective at reducing pain in a randomized crossover study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7915. [PMID: 37217536 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31038-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe pain is a widespread health problem in need of novel treatment approaches. In the current study we used real water to give virtual objects (i.e., animated virtual water) more realistic physical properties (wet liquid qualities). Healthy volunteers aged 18-34 participated in a within-subject randomized study comparing participants' worst pain during brief thermal stimuli with (1) No Immersive Virtual Reality (VR), versus (2) during VR + no tactile feedback versus (3) VR + real water (with tactile feedback from co-located real objects). Tactile feedback significantly decreased pain intensity (VR analgesia, p < 0.01), compared to VR with no tactile feedback, and compared to No VR (baseline). Tactile feedback made the virtual water feel significantly more real, increased participant's sense of presence, and both VR conditions were distracting (significantly reduced accuracy on an attention demanding task). As a non-pharmacologic analgesic, mixed reality reduced pain by 35% in the current study, comparable to the analgesia from a moderate dose of hydromorphone in previous published experimental studies. Tactile feedback also significantly increased avatar embodiment, the participants illusion of ownership of the virtual hands, which has potential to improve the effectiveness of avatar therapy for chronic pain in future studies. Mixed reality should be tested as treatment in pain patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter G Hoffman
- Virtual Reality Research Center, Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, USA.
- Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Stanford University, Stanford, 94305, USA.
| | - Miles R Fontenot
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, USA
| | - Azucena Garcia-Palacios
- Department of Basic Psychology, Clinic and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, 12071, Castellón de La Plana, Spain
| | - Walter J Greenleaf
- Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Stanford University, Stanford, 94305, USA
| | - Wadee Alhalabi
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michele Curatolo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, USA
| | - Herta Flor
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
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Loetscher T, Barrett AM, Billinghurst M, Lange B. Immersive medical virtual reality: still a novelty or already a necessity? J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023:jnnp-2022-330207. [PMID: 37055062 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-330207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Loetscher
- Cognitive Ageing and Impairment Neurosciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - A M Barrett
- UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Billinghurst
- Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Empathic Computing Laboratory, The University of Auckland, Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Belinda Lange
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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Guerra-Armas J, Flores-Cortes M, Pineda-Galan C, Luque-Suarez A, La Touche R. Role of Immersive Virtual Reality in Motor Behaviour Decision-Making in Chronic Pain Patients. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040617. [PMID: 37190582 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary chronic pain is a major contributor to disability worldwide, with an estimated prevalence of 20-33% of the world's population. The high socio-economic impact of musculoskeletal pain justifies seeking an appropriate therapeutic strategy. Immersive virtual reality (VR) has been proposed as a first-line intervention for chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, the growing literature has not been accompanied by substantial progress in understanding how VR exerts its impact on the pain experience and what neurophysiological mechanisms might be involved in the clinical effectiveness of virtual reality interventions in chronic pain patients. The aim of this review is: (i) to establish the state of the art on the effects of VR on patients with chronic pain; (ii) to identify neuroplastic changes associated with chronic pain that may be targeted by VR intervention; and (iii) to propose a hypothesis on how immersive virtual reality could modify motor behavioral decision-making through an interactive experience in patients with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Guerra-Armas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35016 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Mar Flores-Cortes
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | | | - Alejandro Luque-Suarez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de la Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Roy La Touche
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Dolor Craneofacial y Neuromusculoesquelético (INDCRAN), 28008 Madrid, Spain
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Lier EJ, de Vries M, Steggink EM, Ten Broek RPG, van Goor H. Effect modifiers of virtual reality in pain management: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Pain 2023:00006396-990000000-00268. [PMID: 36943251 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT There is a rapidly growing body of evidence for the application of virtual reality (VR) in pain management, however, with varying effectiveness. Little is known about patient-related and VR-related factors affecting efficacy of VR. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed including 122 randomised controlled trials (9138 patients), reporting on subjectively reported pain scores comparing an immersive VR intervention to a non-VR control group. Virtual reality significantly reduced pain in the pooled analysis (standardized mean difference = -0.65, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.54, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences between type of pain, ie, VR effects were similar in acute, chronic, and procedural pain conditions. Univariate and multivariate meta-regression analyses were performed to investigate the effect of intervention, patient, and pain characteristics on VR. Virtual reality effectively reduced pain, especially in patients reporting moderate to severe pain and in younger subjects. Studies comparing VR with a control group receiving no distraction methods were associated with higher effect sizes. The effect of VR was not related to a specific frequency or duration of use. Type of software and interaction level were related to VR effects in the univariable, but not in the multivariable, meta-regression analysis. Heterogeneity was considerable for all meta-analyses, and risk of bias was moderate to high in most included studies. Studies on mechanisms behind VR analgesia in younger patients and patients reporting moderate to severe pain are recommended to confirm our hypotheses while taking into account risk of bias and the comparator. Optimal application of VR using treatment modules for long-term pain conditions are an important issue for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth J Lier
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Slatman S, Ostelo R, van Goor H, Staal JB, Knoop J. Physiotherapy with integrated virtual reality for patients with complex chronic low back pain: protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial (VARIETY study). BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2023; 24:132. [PMID: 36803315 PMCID: PMC9940420 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06232-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the most common chronic pain condition worldwide. Currently, primary care physiotherapy is one of the main treatment options, but effects of this treatment are small. Virtual Reality (VR) could be an adjunct to physiotherapy care, due to its multimodal features. The primary aim of this study is to assess the (cost-)effectiveness of physiotherapy with integrated multimodal VR for patients with complex CLBP, compared to usual primary physiotherapy care. METHODS A multicenter, two-arm, cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 120 patients with CLBP from 20 physiotherapists will be conducted. Patients in the control group will receive 12 weeks of usual primary physiotherapy care for CLBP. Patients in the experimental group will receive treatment consisting of 12 weeks of physiotherapy with integrated, immersive, multimodal, therapeutic VR. The therapeutic VR consists of the following modules: pain education, activation, relaxation and distraction. The primary outcome measure is physical functioning. Secondary outcome measures include pain intensity, pain-related fears, pain self-efficacy and economic measures. Effectiveness of the experimental intervention compared to the control intervention on primary and secondary outcome measures will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat principle, using linear mixed-model analyses. DISCUSSION This pragmatic, multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial, will determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy with integrated, personalized, multimodal, immersive VR in favor of usual physiotherapy care for patients with CLBP. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05701891).
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Affiliation(s)
- Syl Slatman
- Research Group for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. .,Biomedical Signals and Systems Group, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Raymond Ostelo
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit & Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J. Bart Staal
- grid.450078.e0000 0000 8809 2093Research Group for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands ,grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jesper Knoop
- grid.450078.e0000 0000 8809 2093Research Group for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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34
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Neumann I, Käthner I, Gromer D, Pauli P. Impact of perceived social support on pain perception in virtual reality. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Patterson DR, Drever S, Soltani M, Sharar SR, Wiechman S, Meyer WJ, Hoffman HG. A comparison of interactive immersive virtual reality and still nature pictures as distraction-based analgesia in burn wound care. Burns 2023; 49:182-192. [PMID: 35305845 PMCID: PMC9363532 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-pharmacologic adjuncts to opioid analgesics for burn wound debridement enhance safety and cost effectiveness in care. The current study explored the feasibility of using a custom portable water-friendly immersive VR hardware during burn debridement in adults, and tested whether interactive VR would reduce pain more effectively than nature stimuli viewed in the same VR goggles. METHODS Forty-eight patients with severe burn injuries (44 adults and 4 children) had their burn injuries debrided and dressed in a wet wound care environment on Study Day 1, and 13 also participated in Study Day 2. INTERVENTION The study used a within-subject design to test two hypotheses (one hypothesis per study day) with the condition order randomized. On Study Day 1, each individual (n = 44 participants) spent 5 min of wound care in an interactive immersive VR environment designed for burn care, and 5 min looking at still nature photos and sounds of nature in the same VR goggles. On Study Day 2 (n = 12 adult participants and one adolescent from Day 1), each participant spent 5 min of burn wound care with no distraction and 5 min of wound care in VR, using a new water-friendly VR system. On both days, during a post-wound care assessment, participants rated and compared the pain they had experienced in each condition. OUTCOME MEASURES ON STUDY DAYS 1 AND 2: Worst pain during burn wound care was the primary dependent variable. Secondary measures were ratings of time spent thinking about pain during wound care, pain unpleasantness, and positive affect during wound care. RESULTS On Study Day 1, no significant differences in worst pain ratings during wound care were found between the computer-generated world (Mean = 71.06, SD = 26.86) vs. Nature pictures conditions (Mean = 68.19, SD = 29.26; t < 1, NS). On secondary measures, positive affect (fun) was higher, and realism was lower during computer-generated VR. No significant differences in pain unpleasantness or "presence in VR" between the two conditions were found, however. VR VS. NO VR. (STUDY DAY 2): Participants reported significantly less worst pain when distracted with adjunctive computer generated VR than during standard wound care without distraction (Mean = 54.23, SD = 26.13 vs 63.85, SD = 31.50, t(11) = 1.91, p < .05, SD = 17.38). In addition, on Study Day 2, "time spent thinking about pain during wound care" was significantly less during the VR condition, and positive affect was significantly greater during VR, compared to the No VR condition. CONCLUSION The current study is innovative in that it is the first to show the feasibility of using a custom portable water-friendly immersive VR hardware during burn debridement in adults. However, contrary to predictions, interactive VR did not reduce pain more effectively than nature stimuli viewed in the same VR goggles.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Patterson
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Sydney Drever
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Maryam Soltani
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Sam R Sharar
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104, United States; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104, United States
| | - Shelley Wiechman
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Walter J Meyer
- University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, United States; Shriners Children's Texas, 815 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
| | - Hunter G Hoffman
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Box 352142, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Box 352142, Seattle, WA, United States; Department of Computer Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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The Emerging Role of Virtual Reality as an Adjunct to Procedural Sedation and Anesthesia: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030843. [PMID: 36769490 PMCID: PMC9917582 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, there has been a significant reduction in the incidence of adverse events associated with sedation outside of the operating room. Non-pharmacologic techniques are increasingly being used as peri-operative adjuncts to facilitate and promote anxiolysis, analgesia and sedation, and to reduce adverse events. This narrative review will briefly explore the emerging role of immersive reality in the peri-procedural care of surgical patients. Immersive virtual reality (VR) is intended to distract patients with the illusion of "being present" inside the computer-generated world, drawing attention away from their anxiety, pain, and discomfort. VR has been described for a variety of procedures that include colonoscopies, venipuncture, dental procedures, and burn wound care. As VR technology develops and the production costs decrease, the role and application of VR in clinical practice will expand. It is important for medical professionals to understand that VR is now available for prime-time use and to be aware of the growing body in the literature that supports VR.
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Andreatta M, Winkler MH, Collins P, Gromer D, Gall D, Pauli P, Gamer M. VR for Studying the Neuroscience of Emotional Responses. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 65:161-187. [PMID: 36592276 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Emotions are frequently considered as the driving force of behavior, and psychopathology is often characterized by aberrant emotional responding. Emotional states are reflected on a cognitive-verbal, physiological-humoral, and motor-behavioral level but to date, human research lacks an experimental protocol for a comprehensive and ecologically valid characterization of such emotional states. Virtual reality (VR) might help to overcome this situation by allowing researchers to study mental processes and behavior in highly controlled but reality-like laboratory settings. In this chapter, we first elucidate the role of presence and immersion as requirements for eliciting emotional states in a virtual environment and discuss different VR methods for emotion induction. We then consider the organization of emotional states on a valence continuum (i.e., from negative to positive) and on this basis discuss the use of VR to study threat processing and avoidance as well as reward processing and approach behavior. Although the potential of VR has not been fully realized in laboratory and clinical settings yet, this technological tool can open up new avenues to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms of emotional responding in healthy and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Andreatta
- Department of Psychology, Educational Sciences, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Markus H Winkler
- Department of Psychology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Collins
- Department of Psychology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Gromer
- Department of Psychology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Gall
- Department of Psychology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Gamer
- Department of Psychology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Matamala-Gomez M, Donegan T, Świdrak J. VR for Pain Relief. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 65:309-336. [PMID: 36592274 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The present chapter explores how immersive virtual reality (VR) systems can be used for pain research and treatment. Pain is a universal, yet entirely subjective and multifaceted unpleasant experience. One of the earliest VR studies on pain highlighted the role of attention in pain modulation. However, the role of body representation in pain modulation has also been described as a crucial factor. Through virtual reality systems, it is possible to modulate both attention to pain and body representation. In this chapter, first we define how immersive VR can be used to create the illusion of being present in immersive VR environments and argue why VR can be an effective tool for distracting patients from acute pain. However, distraction seems to be less useful in chronic pain treatment. Chronic pain can be highly disabling and can significantly impact not only the sufferer's quality of life, but also their perceptions of the bodily self. Close neural connections between the body matrix and pain open a chance for influencing pain through bodily illusions. This chapter explores approaches to inducing body ownership illusions in VR and discusses how they have been applied in pain research. The present chapter also covers a set of practical indications and methodological caveats of immersive VR and solutions for overcoming them. Finally, we outline several promising future research directions and highlight several yet unexplored areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Matamala-Gomez
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Group, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Tony Donegan
- Cortical Networks and Virtual Environments in Neuroscience Lab, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Experimental Virtual Environments for Neuroscience and Technology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Justyna Świdrak
- Cortical Networks and Virtual Environments in Neuroscience Lab, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Experimental Virtual Environments for Neuroscience and Technology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Chen ZS. Hierarchical predictive coding in distributed pain circuits. Front Neural Circuits 2023; 17:1073537. [PMID: 36937818 PMCID: PMC10020379 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1073537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Predictive coding is a computational theory on describing how the brain perceives and acts, which has been widely adopted in sensory processing and motor control. Nociceptive and pain processing involves a large and distributed network of circuits. However, it is still unknown whether this distributed network is completely decentralized or requires networkwide coordination. Multiple lines of evidence from human and animal studies have suggested that the cingulate cortex and insula cortex (cingulate-insula network) are two major hubs in mediating information from sensory afferents and spinothalamic inputs, whereas subregions of cingulate and insula cortices have distinct projections and functional roles. In this mini-review, we propose an updated hierarchical predictive coding framework for pain perception and discuss its related computational, algorithmic, and implementation issues. We suggest active inference as a generalized predictive coding algorithm, and hierarchically organized traveling waves of independent neural oscillations as a plausible brain mechanism to integrate bottom-up and top-down information across distributed pain circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Sage Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Zhe Sage Chen
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40
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Doorley JD, Lentz TA, Yeh GY, Wayne PM, Archer KR, Vranceanu AM. Technology-Enhanced Delivery Models to Facilitate the Implementation of Psychologically Informed Practice for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. Phys Ther 2022; 103:pzac141. [PMID: 36210757 PMCID: PMC10071498 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzac141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is prevalent, challenging to treat, and often disabling. Evidence supports the role of psychological factors in pain-related outcomes, and it is now accepted that rehabilitation should combine physical and psychological approaches (ie, psychologically informed practice). This Perspective articulates a vision for technology-enhanced psychologically informed practice for chronic musculoskeletal pain, highlights relevant research evidence, discusses how technology can circumvent implementation barriers, and proposes directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Doorley
- Integrated Brain Health Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Trevor A Lentz
- Duke Clinical Research Institute and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gloria Y Yeh
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter M Wayne
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristin R Archer
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Osher Center for Integrative Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Vranceanu
- Integrated Brain Health Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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41
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He ZH, Yang HM, Dela Rosa RD, De Ala MB. The effects of virtual reality technology on reducing pain in wound care: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Int Wound J 2022; 19:1810-1820. [PMID: 35318806 PMCID: PMC9615291 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) technology has been widely used in clinical nursing care in recent years. We aimed to systematically evaluate the effect and safety of VR technology on pain control in wound care, to provide evidence and support for clinical wound care. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and Chinese Science and Technology Journal databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of VR technology in wound care up to December 20, 2021. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the included RCTs and extracted associated data. RevMan5.3 statistical software was used for data analysis. 13 RCTs involving 1258 adult patients were included, of whom 588 patients underwent VR intervention. VR technology intervention could reduce the VAS score(MD = -1.13, 95%CI:-2.01~-0.26, P < .001), pain cognition score(MD = -3.94, 95%CI:-4.59 ~ -3.30, P < .001), pain emotion score(MD = -5.21, 95%CI: -10.46 ~ -0.04, P < .001), pain sensation score (MD = -4.94, 95%CI: -9.46 ~ -0.42, P = .03) and blood pressure(MD = -4.66, 95%CI: -8.63 ~ -0.69, P = .02) during would care. There were no significant differences on the heart rate (MD = -1.85, 95%CI: -5.71 ~ -2.01, P = .45) and VR interestingness (MD = 28.96, 95%CI: -22.10 ~ 80.02, P = .27) of the VR group and control group. No publication biases among the synthesised outcomes were found (all P > .001). VR technology can effectively reduce the pain degree and sensation of patients during wound care, which may be an effective auxiliary non-drug method used for pain relief during wound care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hua He
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Shaoxing University Yuanpei College, Shaoxing, China.,School of Nursing, Philippine Women's University, Manila, Philippines
| | - Hong-Mei Yang
- Department of One Surgery, The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, China
| | - Ronnell D Dela Rosa
- School of Nursing, Philippine Women's University, Manila, Philippines.,College of Nursing and Midwifery, Bataan Peninsula State University, Bataan, Philippines
| | - Minerva B De Ala
- School of Nursing, Philippine Women's University, Manila, Philippines
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42
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Alrimy T, Alhalabi W, Malibari AA, Alzahrani FS, Alrajhi S, Alhalabi M, Hoffman HG. Virtual Reality Animal Rescue World: Pediatric virtual reality analgesia during just noticeable pressure pain in children aged 2-10 years old (crossover design). Front Psychol 2022; 13:963765. [PMID: 36389517 PMCID: PMC9651058 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.963765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Excessive pain during medical procedures is a worldwide medical problem. Most scald burns occur in children under 6, who are often undermedicated. Adjunctive Virtual Reality (VR) distraction has been shown to reduce pain in children aged 6-17, but little is known about VR analgesia in young children. This study tests whether desktop VR (VR Animal Rescue World) can reduce the just noticeable pressure pain of children aged 2-10. METHODS A within-subject repeated measures design was used. With treatment order randomized, each healthy volunteer pediatric participant underwent brief cutaneous pressure stimuli under three conditions: (1) no distraction, (2) a verbal color naming task (no VR), and (3) a large TV-based desktop VR distraction. A hand-held Wagner pressure pain stimulation device was used to generate just noticeable pain sensations. Participants indicated when a steadily increasing non-painful pressure stimulus first turned into a painful pressure sensation (just noticeable pain). RESULTS A total of 40 healthy children participated (43% aged 2-5 years; and 57% aged 6-10 years). Compared to the no distraction condition, the 40 children showed significant VR analgesia (i.e., a significant reduction in pain sensitivity during the VR Animal Rescue World condition), t(39) = 9.83, p < 0.001, SD = 6.24. VR was also significantly more effective at reducing pain sensitivity vs. an auditory color naming task, t(39) = 5.42, p < 0.001, SD = 5.94. The subset of children aged 2-5 showed significant reductions in pain during VR. Children under 6 showed greater sensitivity to pain during no distraction than children aged 6-10. CONCLUSION During no distraction, children under 6 years old were significantly more sensitive to pain than children aged 6-10. Virtual reality (VR) significantly reduced the "just noticeable" pressure pain sensitivity of children in both age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taima Alrimy
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wadee Alhalabi
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Immersive Virtual Reality Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Computer Science, School of Engineering, Computing and Informatics, Dar Al-Hekma University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej A. Malibari
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sharifah Alrajhi
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alhalabi
- Immersive Virtual Reality Research Group, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hunter G. Hoffman
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Virtual Reality during Intrathecal Pump Refills in Children: A Case Series. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195877. [PMID: 36233743 PMCID: PMC9571798 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual reality has proven to be an effective approach to decrease pain in acute settings, both in adults and children. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether virtual reality (VR) could reduce pain during an intrathecal pump refill procedure in children receiving intrathecal drug delivery, compared to a standard refill procedure. This is a three-arm crossover randomized controlled trial, evaluating the effect of VR on pain in children with cerebral palsy undergoing an intrathecal pump refill compared to a standard refill and a refill with distraction (watching a video). Pain was evaluated using the Wong–Baker Faces Scale. Secondary outcomes were procedural pain, fear, state anxiety, the incidence of adverse events and satisfaction. Six children participated in this study, whereby all children underwent the three conditions. Five children indicated an equal of lower pain score during VR, compared to a standard refill. This finding of an equal or lower pain intensity score for the VR condition compared to the control condition was also revealed by the ratings of the parents, physician and the researcher. The influence of VR on anxiety and fear seem to be in line with the influence of watching a video. In terms of satisfaction, all children and parents agreed with the statement that they would like to use VR again for a next refill. Due to the lack of adverse events, the high degree of satisfaction of children with VR and the decreased pain levels after a refill with VR, physicians may aim to explore the implementation of VR during intrathecal pump refill procedures in children in a daily clinical routine care setting.
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Eccleston C, Fisher E, Liikkanen S, Sarapohja T, Stenfors C, Jääskeläinen SK, Rice AS, Mattila L, Blom T, Bratty JR. A prospective, double-blind, pilot, randomized, controlled trial of an "embodied" virtual reality intervention for adults with low back pain. Pain 2022; 163:1700-1715. [PMID: 35324507 PMCID: PMC9393796 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Adults with chronic low back pain, disability, moderate-to-severe pain, and high fear of movement and reinjury were recruited into a trial of a novel, automated, digital therapeutics, virtual reality, psychological intervention for pain (DTxP). We conducted a 3-arm, prospective, double-blind, pilot, randomized, controlled trial comparing DTxP with a sham placebo comparator and an open-label standard care. Participants were enrolled for 6 to 8 weeks, after which, the standard care control arm were rerandomized to receive either the DTxP or sham placebo. Forty-two participants completed assessments at baseline, immediately posttreatment (6-8 weeks), 9-week, and 5-month follow-up. We found that participants in the DTxP group reported greater reductions in fear of movement and better global impression of change when compared with sham placebo and standard care post treatment. No other group differences were noted at posttreatment or follow-up. When compared with baseline, participants in the DTxP group reported lower disability at 5-month follow-up, lower pain interference and fear of movement post treatment and follow-up, and lower pain intensity at posttreatment. The sham placebo group also reported lower disability and fear of movement at 5-month follow-up compared with baseline. Standard care did not report any significant changes. There were a number of adverse events, with one participant reporting a serious adverse event in the sham placebo, which was not related to treatment. No substantial changes in medications were noted, and participants in the DTxP group reported positive gaming experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Eccleston
- Department for Health, Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emma Fisher
- Department for Health, Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Cochrane Pain, Palliative, and Supportive Care Review Groups, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Satu K. Jääskeläinen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Andrew S.C. Rice
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Pain Research, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Taru Blom
- Orion Corporation Orion Pharma, R&D, Espoo, Finland
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Application of Virtual Reality Technology in Clinical Practice, Teaching, and Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1373170. [PMID: 35990836 PMCID: PMC9388243 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1373170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The application of virtual reality (VR) in clinical settings is growing rapidly, with encouraging results. As VR has been introduced into complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), a systematic review must be undertaken to understand its current status. Aim This review aims to evaluate and summarize the current applications of VR in CAM, as well as to explore potential directions for future research and development. Methods After a brief description of VR technology, we discuss the past 20 years of clinical VR applications in the medical field. Then, we discuss the theoretical basis of the combination of VR technology and CAM, the research thus far, and practical factors regarding usability, etc., from the following three main aspects: clinical application, teaching, and scientific research. Finally, we summarize and propose hypotheses on the application of VR in CAM and its limitations. Results Our review of the theoretical underpinnings and research findings to date leads to the prediction that VR and CAM will have a significant impact on future research and practice. Conclusion Although there is still much research needed to advance the science in this area, we strongly believe that VR applications will become indispensable tools in the toolbox of CAM researchers and practitioners and will only grow in relevance and popularity in the era of digital health.
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Tuck N, Pollard C, Good C, Williams C, Lewis G, Hames M, Aamir T, Bean D. Active Virtual Reality for Chronic Primary Pain: Mixed Methods Randomized Pilot Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e38366. [PMID: 35830224 PMCID: PMC9330488 DOI: 10.2196/38366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The modern management of chronic pain is largely focused on improving functional capacity (often despite ongoing pain) by using graded activation and exposure paradigms. However, many people with chronic pain find functional activation programs aversive, and dropout rates are high. Modern technologies such as virtual reality (VR) could provide a more enjoyable and less threatening way for people with chronic pain to engage in physical activity. Although VR has been successfully used for pain relief in acute and chronic pain settings, as well as to facilitate rehabilitation in conditions such as stroke and cerebral palsy, it is not known whether VR can also be used to improve functional outcomes in people with chronic pain. Objective This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting an adequately powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of VR in a chronic pain treatment center and assess the acceptability of an active VR treatment program for patients in this setting. Methods For this mixed methods pilot study, which was designed to test the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed study methods, 29 people seeking treatment for chronic pain were randomized to an active VR intervention or physiotherapy treatment as usual (TAU). The TAU group completed a 6-week waitlist before receiving standard treatment to act as a no-treatment control group. The VR intervention comprised twice-weekly immersive and embodied VR sessions using commercially available gaming software, which was selected to encourage movement. A total of 7 VR participants completed semistructured interviews to assess their perception of the intervention. Results Of the 99 patients referred to physiotherapy, 53 (54%) were eligible, 29 (29%) enrolled, and 17 (17%) completed the trial, indicating that running an adequately powered RCT in this setting would not be feasible. Despite this, those in the VR group showed greater improvements in activity levels, pain intensity, and pain interference and reported greater treatment satisfaction and perceived improvement than both the waitlist and TAU groups. Relative effect sizes were larger when VR was compared with the waitlist (range small to very large) and smaller when VR was compared with TAU (range none to medium). The qualitative analysis produced the following three themes: VR is an enjoyable alternative to traditional physiotherapy, VR has functional and psychological benefits despite continued pain, and a well-designed VR setup is important. Conclusions The active VR intervention in this study was highly acceptable to participants, produced favorable effects when compared with the waitlist, and showed similar outcomes as those of TAU. These findings suggest that a confirmatory RCT is warranted; however, substantial barriers to recruitment indicate that incentivizing participation and using a different treatment setting or running a multicenter trial are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Tuck
- The Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- The Pain Management Unit, Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Catherine Pollard
- The Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- The Auckland Regional Pain Service, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Clinton Good
- The Auckland Regional Pain Service, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Caitlin Williams
- The Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gwyn Lewis
- The Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Murray Hames
- The Auckland Regional Pain Service, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tipu Aamir
- The Auckland Regional Pain Service, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Debbie Bean
- The Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- The Pain Management Unit, Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Waitematā District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
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Realigning Incentives for Novel Pain Therapeutics. Anesthesiology 2022; 137:134-136. [PMID: 35726972 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Azurdia D, Acuña SM, Narasaki-Jara M, Furtado O, Jung T. Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Aerobic Exercise on Perceptions of Pain and Fatigue in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. Games Health J 2022; 11:236-241. [PMID: 35704919 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2021.0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) has become an effective alternative to promote exercise. However, limited studies have investigated the effect of VR on pain and fatigue in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using VR during exercise on pain and fatigue in individuals with SCI. This study employed a concurrent nested mixed-methods design. Materials and Methods: Eleven individuals with SCI completed a 6-minute exercise test using arm ergometry with and without VR. Pain and fatigue questionnaire data were collected using Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire, the Fatigue Severity Scale, and the Fatigue Assessment Scale. Qualitative data were collected after the VR session. Results: Participants experienced less pain and fatigue during VR exercise than during non-VR exercise. Qualitative data were consistent with the questionnaire results. Conclusion: Clinicians should consider the use of VR in reducing pain and fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Azurdia
- Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stephan Manuel Acuña
- Human Movement and Neurophysiology Lab, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Mai Narasaki-Jara
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Ovande Furtado
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Taeyou Jung
- The Center of Achievement, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, California, USA
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Stock C, Prediger C, Hrynyschyn R, Helmer S. [School-based alcohol prevention with virtual reality]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2022; 65:823-828. [PMID: 35552470 PMCID: PMC9232464 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-022-03541-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Riskanter Alkoholkonsum ist bei Jugendlichen in Deutschland nach wie vor von hoher Public-Health-Relevanz, weshalb vorbeugend die Kompetenzen von Jugendlichen im Umgang mit Alkohol und Gruppendruck gefördert werden sollten. Interaktive und geschlechtssensible schulische Primärpräventionsangebote besitzen ein großes Potenzial, die Erreichbarkeit der Zielgruppe und die Effektivität von Interventionen zu fördern. Dabei können virtuelle Simulationen als digitales Medium genutzt werden. Virtual Reality (VR) ermöglicht die Erfahrung von risikobehafteten Situationen in sicherer Umgebung. International gibt es zwei Alkoholpräventionsprojekte für Jugendliche, die VR einsetzen. Die gemeinsame Entwicklung mit der Adressat*innengruppe war dabei ein bedeutendes Kernelement und es wurden bereits umfassende Untersuchungen zur Benutzungsfreundlichkeit sowie zur subjektiven Wirksamkeit durchgeführt. Gängige Effektivitätsevaluationen wie randomisierte kontrollierte Studien kommen bei interaktiven Formaten allerdings an ihre Grenzen, weshalb auch alternative und ergänzende Evaluationsansätze zukünftig eine Rolle spielen sollten. Zusätzlich muss untersucht werden, inwiefern VR-Simulationen auf Rezipient*innen zugeschnitten werden können. Hierbei ist die gendersensible Gestaltung gleichzeitig als Potenzial und als Herausforderung zu sehen. Auch in Deutschland sollte die Möglichkeit des Einsatzes von VR in der Alkoholprävention bei Jugendlichen vertiefend untersucht werden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Stock
- Institut für Gesundheits- und Pflegewissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Christina Prediger
- Institut für Gesundheits- und Pflegewissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Robert Hrynyschyn
- Institut für Gesundheits- und Pflegewissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Stefanie Helmer
- Institut für Gesundheits- und Pflegewissenschaft, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland
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Ross AM, Jones RJF. Simulated Forest Immersion Therapy: Methods Development. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095373. [PMID: 35564767 PMCID: PMC9105281 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, may provide relief from chronic and breakthrough pain in patients with axial spondyloarthritis and improve immune function through increasing NK cell numbers and activity and their downstream effectors, perforin and granulysin, after chemo- or radiation therapy in breast and prostate cancer patients. The aim of this paper is to describe the study protocol for a simulated forest immersion therapy using virtual reality and atomized phytoncides, volatile organic compounds found in forested areas designed to effect positive change for these two patient populations. The setting, including the room set up and samples with inclusion/exclusion specific to this type of intervention, is outlined. Measures and calibration procedures pertinent to determining the feasibility of simulated forest immersion therapy are presented and include: ambient and surface room temperatures and relative humidity in real time, ambient ultrafine particulate matter, ambient droplet measurement that coincides with volatile organic compounds, specific phytoncides, and virtual reality and atomization of phytoncide set up. Particular lessons learned while training and setting up the equipment are presented. Simulated forest immersion therapy is possible with attention to detail during this early phase when development of methods, equipment testing, and feasibility in deploying the intervention become operational. The expected outcome of the development of the methods for this study is the creation of a standardized approach to simulating forest therapy in a controlled laboratory space.
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