Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Exploring the Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Reality Exercise for Pain Management, Fear of Movement, Mobility, and Proprioception Deficit in Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients During Flares: Twics Design

40 participantsStarted 2025-09-01

Plain-language summary

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammatory arthritis of the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and mobility limitations. During flares, when symptoms worsen, people with axSpA often experience increased pain and difficulty moving, making daily activities more challenging. This study aims to explore whether virtual reality (VR) exercise can help manage pain, improve movement, and support rehabilitation for axSpA patients during flares. Participants will use a VR system to perform gentle exercises designed to encourage movement and reduce discomfort. Their spinal mobility will be measured using motion capture technology, and their experiences with VR will be assessed through questionnaires and interviews. This research will help determine whether VR can be a practical and beneficial tool for axSpA rehabilitation, potentially offering a new way to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The findings will guide future studies on using VR in healthcare settings for people with chronic pain conditions.

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

. Confirmed diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).
. Experiencing an active flare of axSpA within the last 6 months
. Over 18 years of age.

Exclusion criteria

. History of major spinal surgery.
. Pregnancy.
. Severe vestibular disorders, visual, balance, neurological, or cardiovascular conditions that may affect mobility.

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.