This study will determine if occupational therapy or the combination of occupational therapy and virtual reality is the better treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP)patients.
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:
* Ages 18 and older
* Referred for chronic pain occupational therapy services at the UPMC Centers for Rehab Services Centre Commons site.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition
* Had virtual reality intervention within the last 3 months
* Has sensory insensitivity such as hearing loss or low vision, as assessed by the PI
* Has contagious disorder on the face, such as pink eye, that could be transmitted via the VR headset or has open areas on the face that would come in contact with the headset
* Has a pacemaker or defibrillator
* Insufficient upper extremity coordination to operate IVR controls, as assessed by the PI
* Insufficient cognitive ability to answer questionnaires or learn to use the IVR, as assessed by the PI
* Have a diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) or unable to understand and/or respond in English
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.
What they're measuring
1
Changes from Baseline in average rating of chronic pain at 3 months using Numeric Pain Rating Scale