CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of Virtual Reality-Assisted Pain Neuroscience Education on Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Turkey (Türkiye)51 participantsStarted 2026-02-15

Plain-language summary

Chronic nonspecific low back pain is a multifactorial condition involving not only biomechanical but also psychological and neurocognitive components, in which factors such as kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing contribute to pain persistence and disability. Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) aims to reconceptualize pain, reduce fear-avoidance behaviors, and improve function, particularly when combined with exercise, although traditional educational methods may be limited in explaining abstract concepts. Virtual reality (VR) offers an interactive and engaging platform that may enhance the effectiveness of PNE by facilitating cognitive restructuring and increasing motivation, with evidence of short-term benefits on pain and kinesiophobia. Integrating VR-supported PNE with core stabilization exercises may simultaneously address biomechanical and cognitive processes, thereby providing a more comprehensive rehabilitation approach. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the effects of adding VR-supported pain education to core stabilization exercises on pain, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, functional status, and balance in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 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: * Be between the ages of 18 and 65 * Have a diagnosis of nonspecific low back pain with a history of low back pain lasting at least 3 months * Have no specific pathologies that could cause low back pain (e.g., tumor, infection, fracture, inflammatory disease) * Be able to walk independently and have the capacity to exercise * Mini Mental State Examination score \>23 Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who have undergone lumbar surgery within the last year, * Individuals with central or peripheral neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease), * Those with vestibular, visual, or balance disorders (those at risk of dizziness or nausea during virtual reality applications), * Those with serious cardiopulmonary or systemic diseases, * Those with psychiatric disorders or a diagnosis of severe depression, those who are pregnant * Individuals with a history of dizziness, epilepsy, or visual disturbances associated with virtual reality use

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.

1This trial used virtual reality alongside pain neuroscience education to address chronic non-specific low back pain — is that kind of educational, non-drug approach something that might make sense for my situation, or would it work better alongside other treatments I'm already doing?
2Since this trial has already been completed, has my doctor seen or can they access the results showing whether VR-assisted pain neuroscience education actually reduced pain severity, and what did those findings suggest?
3Pain neuroscience education focuses on changing how the brain understands and processes pain — is that type of approach considered appropriate for my specific diagnosis, or are there reasons my pain might have a more structural cause that would need a different treatment first?
4Virtual reality equipment and structured education programs aren't available everywhere — if my doctor thinks this approach looks promising based on the trial results, are there clinics or therapists nearby who offer something similar that we could explore?
5Since this was listed as Phase NA, meaning it was likely a non-drug behavioral or device study, what do we actually know about how safe and well-tolerated the VR sessions were for people with chronic low back pain like mine?

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

Severity of Pain

Timeframe: 6 week

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07305597

SponsorKirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-25

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain trials