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Diallo S, Marchand S, Dumais A, Potvin S. The impact of an immersive digital therapeutic tool on experimental pain: a pilot randomized within-subject experiment with an active control condition. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1366892. [PMID: 38903416 PMCID: PMC11187308 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1366892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pain is a complex and multifaced sensory and emotional experience. Virtual reality (VR) has shown promise in reducing experimental pain and chronic pain. This study examines an immersive VR environment initially designed for endometriosis patients, which demonstrated short-term analgesic effects. The research aims to determine the impact of the VR environment on experimental pain intensity and unpleasantness both during and after VR exposure (3D with binaural beats), while using an active control condition (2D with no binaural beats). Additionally, a secondary objective of the study was to identify the psychological and psychophysical factors that predict the analgesic effects of the immersive digital therapeutic tool. Methods The study involved twenty-one healthy individuals and used a within-subject design, comparing a VR treatment with an active control condition. Continuous heat stimulation was applied to the left forearm with a Peltier thermode. Pain ratings were collected for immediate and short-term effects. Results In both the VR and Control conditions, there were no significant differences in pain intensity before, during, and after exposure. However, during VR exposure, there was a significant decrease in pain unpleasantness as compared to before exposure (p < 0.001), with a 27.2% pain reduction. In the Control condition, there were no significant differences in pain unpleasantness during and after exposure. Furthermore, no psychological and psychophysical factors predicted the analgesic effects. Discussion The study investigated how a VR environment affected experimentally induced pain in healthy volunteers. It showed that VR reduced pain unpleasantness during exposure but had no lasting impact. The VR environment mainly influenced the emotional aspect of pain, possibly due to its inclusion of binaural beats and natural stimuli. The study suggests that the VR environment should be tested in chronic pain population with high distress levels. Registration number clinicaltrialsgov NCT06130267.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanoussy Diallo
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Serge Marchand
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Dumais
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut National de Psychiatrie Légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Potvin
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Fawsitt-Jones H, Vollert J, O'Daly O, Williams SCR, McMahon SB, Howard MA, Hughes SW. Reliability of quantitative sensory testing in the assessment of somatosensory function after high-frequency stimulation-induced sensitisation of central nociceptive pathways. Pain 2024; 165:941-950. [PMID: 37878469 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The high frequency stimulation (HFS) model can be used alongside quantitative sensory testing (QST) to assess the sensitisation of central nociceptive pathways. However, the validity and between-session reliability of using QST z -score profiles to measure changes in mechanical and thermal afferent pathways in the HFS model are poorly understood. In this study, 32 healthy participants underwent QST before and after HFS (5× 100 Hz trains; 10× electrical detection threshold) in the same heterotopic skin area across 2 repeated sessions. The only mechanical QST z -score profiles that demonstrated a consistent gain of function across repeated test sessions were mechanical pain threshold (MPT) and mechanical pain sensitivity (MPS), which were associated with moderate and good reliability, respectively. There was no relationship between HFS intensity and MPT and MPS z -score profiles. There was no change in low intensity, but a consistent facilitation of high-intensity pin prick stimuli in the mechanical stimulus response function across repeated test sessions. There was no change in cold pain threshold (CPT) and heat pain threshold (HPT) z -score profiles across session 1 and 2, which were associated with moderate and good reliability, respectively. There were inconsistent changes in the sensitivity to innocuous thermal QST parameters, with cool detection threshold (CDT), warm detection threshold (WDT), and thermal sensory limen (TSL) all producing poor reliability. These data suggest that HFS-induced changes in MPS z -score profiles is a reliable way to assess experimentally induced central sensitisation and associated secondary mechanical hyperalgesia in healthy participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Fawsitt-Jones
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Owen O'Daly
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven C R Williams
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen B McMahon
- Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew A Howard
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sam W Hughes
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Persky S, Colloca L. Medical Extended Reality Trials: Building Robust Comparators, Controls, and Sham. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45821. [PMID: 37991836 PMCID: PMC10701646 DOI: 10.2196/45821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The explosive pace of development and research in medical extended reality (MXR) is a testament to its promise for health care and medicine. In comparison with this growth, there is a relative sparsity of rigorous clinical trials that establish the efficacy and effectiveness of these interventions. Explicating mechanisms of action across clinical areas and MXR applications is another major area of need. A primary impediment to these goals is a lack of frameworks for trial design, more specifically, the selection of appropriate controls that effectively address unique elements of MXR. This paper delineates a framework for designing controls, sham conditions, and comparators, as well as proposed considerations for MXR trial designs. Special consideration is given to the design of sham conditions. Improved designs would enable more robust findings and the development of generalizable knowledge that could be adopted across MXR interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Persky
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Bedwell GJ, Chikezie PC, Siboza FT, Mqadi L, Rice ASC, Kamerman PR, Parker R, Madden VJ. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Non-pharmacological Methods to Manipulate Experimentally Induced Secondary Hypersensitivity. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1759-1797. [PMID: 37356604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of non-pharmacological manipulations on experimentally induced secondary hypersensitivity in pain-free humans. We investigated the magnitude (change/difference in follow-up ratings from pre-manipulation ratings) of secondary hypersensitivity (primary outcome), and surface area of secondary hypersensitivity (secondary outcome), in 27 studies representing 847 participants. Risk of bias assessment concluded most studies (23 of 27) had an unclear or high risk of performance and detection bias. Further, 2 (of 27) studies had a high risk of measurement bias. Datasets were pooled by the method of manipulation and outcome. The magnitude of secondary hypersensitivity was decreased by diverting attention, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation, or emotional disclosure; increased by directing attention toward the induction site, nicotine deprivation, or negative suggestion; and unaffected by cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation or thermal change. Area of secondary hypersensitivity was decreased by anodal transcranial direct current stimulation, emotional disclosure, cognitive behavioral therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, placebo analgesia, or spinal manipulation; increased by directing attention to the induction site, nicotine deprivation, or sleep disruption (in males only); and unaffected by cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation, thermal change, acupuncture, or electroacupuncture. Meta-analytical pooling was only appropriate for studies that used transcranial direct current stimulation or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, given the high clinical heterogeneity among the studies and unavailability of data. The evidence base for this question remains small. We discuss opportunities to improve methodological rigor including manipulation checks, structured blinding strategies, control conditions or time points, and public sharing of raw data. PERSPECTIVE: We described the effects of several non-pharmacological manipulations on experimentally induced secondary hypersensitivity in humans. By shedding light on the potential for non-pharmacological therapies to influence secondary hypersensitivity, it provides a foundation for the development and testing of targeted therapies for secondary hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian J Bedwell
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Prince C Chikezie
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Felicia T Siboza
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Luyanduthando Mqadi
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew S C Rice
- Pain Research Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter R Kamerman
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Romy Parker
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Victoria J Madden
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Shi Y, Wu W. Multimodal non-invasive non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain: mechanisms and progress. BMC Med 2023; 21:372. [PMID: 37775758 PMCID: PMC10542257 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03076-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain conditions impose significant burdens worldwide. Pharmacological treatments like opioids have limitations. Non-invasive non-pharmacological therapies (NINPT) encompass diverse interventions including physical, psychological, complementary and alternative approaches, and other innovative techniques that provide analgesic options for chronic pain without medications. MAIN BODY This review elucidates the mechanisms of major NINPT modalities and synthesizes evidence for their clinical potential across chronic pain populations. NINPT leverages peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms to restore normal pain processing and limit central sensitization. However, heterogeneity in treatment protocols and individual responses warrants optimization through precision medicine approaches. CONCLUSION Future adoption of NINPT requires addressing limitations in standardization and accessibility as well as synergistic combination with emerging therapies. Overall, this review highlights the promise of NINPT as a valuable complementary option ready for integration into contemporary pain medicine paradigms to improve patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China
| | - Wen Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.
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Bannister K, Hughes S. One size does not fit all: towards optimising the therapeutic potential of endogenous pain modulatory systems. Pain 2023; 164:e5-e9. [PMID: 35594517 PMCID: PMC9756434 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Bannister
- Central Modulation of Pain Lab, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Hughes
- Pain Modulation Lab, Brain Research, and Imaging Centre (BRIC), School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
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Bazzari AH, Bazzari FH. Advances in targeting central sensitization and brain plasticity in chronic pain. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-022-00472-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMaladaptation in sensory neural plasticity of nociceptive pathways is associated with various types of chronic pain through central sensitization and remodeling of brain connectivity. Within this context, extensive research has been conducted to evaluate the mechanisms and efficacy of certain non-pharmacological pain treatment modalities. These include neurostimulation, virtual reality, cognitive therapy and rehabilitation. Here, we summarize the involved mechanisms and review novel findings in relation to nociceptive desensitization and modulation of plasticity for the management of intractable chronic pain and prevention of acute-to-chronic pain transition.
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