Development and Validation of a Digital Pain-Reduction Kit for Musculoskeletal Injuries (NCT03187132) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Development and Validation of a Digital Pain-Reduction Kit for Musculoskeletal Injuries
United States245 participantsStarted 2018-04-03
Plain-language summary
This study will test the effectiveness of an evidence-based, multi-modal, "digital pain-reduction kit" as a non-pharmacological supplement to managing patients with pain due to musculoskeletal injuries. Outpatients will be randomized to receive either the pain reduction kit or active control. The kit will contain a virtual reality (VR) headset, therapeutic VR visualization software, and a low-cost wearable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit. Clinical staff will monitor progress and provide scheduled coaching and outreach to patients in the intervention group. The control group will receive the low-cost wearable transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit alone; they will not receive VR or remote coaching. Study devices will be delivered to the patient's home with instructions for use; patients will receive remote clinical and technical support. Patients will be followed for 60 days and monitored for functional status, pain levels, use of pain medications (including opioids), satisfaction with care, and time to returning to work.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
. Male or female, age 18 or older
. Seeking care for a musculoskeletal injury
. Experiencing pain greater than 3 out of 10 on a visual analog scale
. English or Spanish speaking
. Owns a compatible Android or iOS smartphone device (excluding tablets)
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Unable to understand the goals of the study due to cognitive difficulty
. Use of a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other implanted metallic or electronic device or high-frequency surgical equipment. (contraindication for TENS units)
. Pregnant (contraindication for TENS unit)
. Current diagnosis of epilepsy, dementia, or other neurological disease that may prevent use of VR hardware or software
. Hypersensitivity to flashing light or motion
. Injury to the eyes, face, neck, or arms that prevents comfortable use of VR hardware or software, or safe use of other study hardware (e.g., open sores, wounds, or skin rash on face)