CompletedNot Applicable

Using Immersive Virtual Reality to Treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Adults

United States7 participantsStarted 2022-09-16

Plain-language summary

This study is designed to test if the use of virtual reality (VR) can improve chronic pain related to CRPS. One way is to use virtual reality. Virtual reality involves looking into a set of goggles and interacting with a computer-simulated world. The use of VR has been shown to be an effective treatment for other pain conditions (Hoffman et al., 2019) and is inexpensive and noninvasive.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 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 * adults (18+) * confirmed diagnosis of either CRPS I or CRPS II of one or both upper limbs (as defined by the Budapest Criteria) * average pain score in the affected CRPS limb(s) greater than or equal to 3 out of 10 * on a stable treatment plan for 4 weeks prior to the VR intervention phase * ability to wear a VR head-mounted display * ability to speak and read English * ability to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * personal history of severe motion sickness * severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life (ASA class IV+) * prisoners.

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

The Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC), regarding CRPS pain.

Timeframe: Change from baseline to 16 weeks

The Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC), regarding CRPS pain.

Timeframe: Change from baseline to 1 year post-treatment

The Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC), regarding functionality/physical abilities.

Timeframe: Change from baseline to 16 weeks

The Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC), regarding functionality/physical abilities.

Timeframe: Change from baseline to one year post-treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05888142

SponsorUniversity of Washington

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-08-03

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pain, Chronic trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 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.

What they're measuring

The Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC), regarding CRPS pain.

Timeframe: Change from baseline to 16 weeks

The Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC), regarding CRPS pain.

Timeframe: Change from baseline to 1 year post-treatment

The Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC), regarding functionality/physical abilities.

Timeframe: Change from baseline to 16 weeks

The Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGIC), regarding functionality/physical abilities.

Timeframe: Change from baseline to one year post-treatment