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Mace RA, Brewer JR, Cohen JE, Ly TV, Weaver MJ, Borsook D. Virtual Reality for Subacute Pain After Orthopedic Traumatic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study. Clin J Pain 2024; 40:526-541. [PMID: 39016312 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Acute orthopedic traumatic musculoskeletal injuries are prevalent, costly, and often lead to persistent pain and functional limitations. Psychological risk factors (eg, pain catastrophizing and anxiety) exacerbate these outcomes but are often overlooked in acute orthopedic care. Addressing gaps in current treatment approaches, this mixed-methods pilot study explored the use of a therapeutic virtual reality (VR; RelieVRx ), integrating principles of mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, for pain self-management at home following orthopedic injury. METHODS We enrolled 10 adults with acute orthopedic injuries and elevated pain catastrophizing or pain anxiety from Level 1 Trauma Clinics within the Mass General Brigham health care system. Participants completed daily RelieVRx sessions at home for 8 weeks, which included pain education, relaxation, mindfulness, games, and dynamic breathing biofeedback. Primary outcomes were a priori feasibility, appropriateness, acceptability, satisfaction, and safety. Secondary outcomes were pre-post measures of pain, physical function, sleep, depression, and hypothesized mechanisms (pain self-efficacy, mindfulness, and coping). RESULTS The VR and study procedures met or exceeded all benchmarks. We observed preliminary improvements in pain, physical functioning, sleep, depression, and mechanisms. Qualitative exit interviews confirmed high satisfaction with RelieVRx and yielded recommendations for promoting VR-based trials with orthopedic patients. DISCUSSION The results support a larger randomized clinical trial of RelieVRx versus a sham placebo control to replicate the findings and explore mechanisms. There is potential for self-guided VR to promote evidence-based pain management strategies and address the critical mental health care gap for patients following acute orthopedic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Mace
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Julie R Brewer
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Joshua E Cohen
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Thuan V Ly
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Michael J Weaver
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital
| | - David Borsook
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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Skidmore N, Ryan C, Mankelow J, Bradford C, Graham A, Martin D. Exploring the potential of virtual reality for the self-management of chronic pain: A scoping review of its use to address health literacy. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2024; 72:102962. [PMID: 38703701 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with low health literacy struggle to manage long-term conditions. Addressing pain-related health competencies is important in the management of chronic pain. Virtual reality may be a useful tool for empowering sustainable health-related stratgies due to its unique ability to engage users in artificial environments. OBJECTIVES The aim of this scoping review was to explore existing research on the use of virtual reality as a tool to promote health literacy in people with chronic pain. DESIGN Scoping Review guided by framework proposed by Arksey & O'Malley. METHOD Articles related to "pain", "virtual reality" and "health literacy" were searched in four electronic databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO using a formal search strategy. Studies were categorised based on intervention content using the Health Literacy Pathway Model which encompasses health knowledge, self-management skills, health communication and information seeking. RESULTS Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Several elements of pain related health literacy were not addressed in the research. Interventions addressed health knowledge, self-management skills, decision making and featured content aiming to address emotional barriers to pain-related health literacy. Other components including active information seeking and use, actively communicating with health professionals and seeking and negotiating treatment options, were not explicitly addressed. CONCLUSION There is heterogeneity in existing research exploring the use of VR to support people with chronic pain. Existing VR tools to address pain-related health literacy do not cover several key components of health literacy. More research is required before a robust assessment of efficacy can be undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Skidmore
- Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS1 3BX, United Kingdom.
| | - C Ryan
- Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS1 3BX, United Kingdom.
| | - J Mankelow
- Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS1 3BX, United Kingdom.
| | - C Bradford
- Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS1 3BX, United Kingdom.
| | - A Graham
- Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS1 3BX, United Kingdom.
| | - D Martin
- Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS1 3BX, United Kingdom; NIHR Applied Research Collaboration for the North East and Cumbria, United Kingdom.
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Eccleston C, Fisher E, Keefe FJ, Palermo TM, Toelle T. Digital therapeutics and behavioral chronic pain management: closing the gap between innovation and effective use. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00673. [PMID: 39106468 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Eccleston
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Psychology, The University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emma Fisher
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Francis J Keefe
- Pain Prevention and Treatment Research Program, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Tonya M Palermo
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thomas Toelle
- Department of Neurology, Center for Interdisciplinary Pain Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Lou J, Li J, Fan Y, Zhang C, Huang N. Effects of Virtual Reality on Analgesia in Wound Care and Physical Therapy for Burn Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pain Manag Nurs 2024; 25:377-388. [PMID: 38702259 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in alleviating pain and improving the experience of burn patients during wound care and physical therapy. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database, and the Web of Science. REVIEW/ANALYSIS METHODS We searched four electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from the earliest available date up to March 1, 2022. The primary outcome was worst pain intensity, while secondary outcomes encompassed pain unpleasantness intensity, time spent thinking about pain, and fun experience intensity. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. RESULTS This study included 21 trials. The combined data revealed that the VR group experienced a significant reduction in worst pain intensity, pain unpleasantness intensity, and time spent thinking about pain compared to the control group. Moreover, VR treatment was associated with a significant increase in the fun experience intensity. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Virtual reality has the potential value of auxiliary analgesia in burn care, and exploring a more perfect scheme of VR-assisted analgesia is worthwhile. CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis indicate that VR can effectively reduce worst pain intensity, pain unpleasantness intensity, and time spent thinking about pain during wound care and physical therapy for burn patients. Additionally, it enhances fun experience intensity of the treatment period. Therefore, VR shows promise as a valuable complementary pain management intervention for burn patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Lou
- Burn Department, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, No. 41 Northwest Street, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - JiLiang Li
- Burn Department, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, No. 41 Northwest Street, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Youfen Fan
- Burn Department, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, No. 41 Northwest Street, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Burn Department, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, No. 41 Northwest Street, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Neng Huang
- Burn Department, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, No. 41 Northwest Street, Haishu District, Ningbo, 315010, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Window P, McGrath M, Harvie DS, Smits E, Johnston V, Murdoch M, Russell T. Pain Education and Virtual Reality Improves Pain, Pain-related Fear of Movement, and Trunk Kinematics in Individuals With Persistent Low Back Pain. Clin J Pain 2024; 40:478-489. [PMID: 38708788 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of combining pain education and virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy using a cognitive-behavioral therapy-informed approach (virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral therapy [VR-CBT]) on pain intensity, fear of movement, and trunk movement in individuals with persistent low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven participants were recruited in a single cohort repeated measures study, attending 3 sessions 1 week apart. The VR-CBT intervention included standardized pain education (session 1) and virtual reality-based exposure therapy (VRET; session 2) incorporating gameplay with mixed reality video capture and reflective feedback of performance. Outcome measures (pain intensity, pain-related fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), and trunk kinematics during functional movements (maximum amplitude and peak velocity) were collected at baseline (session 1) and 1 week after education (session 2) and VRET (session 3). One-way repeated measures analysis of variances evaluated change in outcomes from baseline to completion. Post hoc contrasts evaluated effect sizes for the education and VR components of VR-CBT. RESULTS Thirty-four participants completed all sessions. Significant ( P < 0.001) reductions were observed in mean (SD) pain (baseline 5.9 [1.5]; completion 4.3 [2.1]) and fear of movement (baseline 42.6 [6.4]; completion 34.3 [7.4]). Large effect sizes (Cohen d ) were observed for education (pain intensity: 0.85; fear of movement: 1.28), whereas the addition of VRET demonstrated very small insignificant effect sizes (pain intensity: 0.10; fear of movement: 0.18). Peak trunk velocity, but not amplitude, increased significantly ( P < 0.05) across trunk movement tasks. CONCLUSION A VR-CBT intervention improved pain, pain-related fear of movement, and trunk kinematics. Further research should explore increased VR-CBT dosage and mechanisms underlying improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Window
- Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane
| | - Michelle McGrath
- Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane
| | - Daniel S Harvie
- School of Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide
| | - Esther Smits
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, University of Queensland
| | - Venerina Johnston
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich
- Centre for Health Research, University of Sothern Queensland, Australia
| | - Megan Murdoch
- Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
- Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, Herston
| | - Trevor Russell
- STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Brisbane
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, University of Queensland
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Matthie N, Higgins M, Doorenbos A, Maddox T, Jenerette C. Feasibility of In-Home Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain in Sickle Cell Disease. Pain Manag Nurs 2024; 25:425-431. [PMID: 38697889 PMCID: PMC11324415 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.04.007] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed the feasibility of an in-home virtual reality intervention for chronic pain in adults with sickle cell disease. DESIGN Two-group, parallel, randomized, multiple methods design with surveys, and interviews. METHODS Participants were randomized to virtual reality or audio control, with 2-16-minute daily modules for 8 weeks, a daily pain diary survey, and a post study interview. Chronic pain and pain correlates were evaluated at baseline and every 4 weeks for 3 months. Feasibility outcomes were participant enrollment (set at > 50%), questionnaire response (> 50%), intervention use, and cybersickness (< 20%). RESULTS Of the individuals approached, 67.8% (n = 19) were enrolled. Questionnaire response rates were 100% at baseline, 57.8% at week 4, and < 50% at weeks 8 and 12. The intervention was used for a median of 781 minutes and 210 minutes in the virtual reality and audio groups, respectively. Participants reported slight symptoms of cybersickness with no reports of severe symptoms, and the intervention was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Home-based virtual reality can be used in future sickle cell disease research. To further strengthen evaluations of virtual reality in adults with sickle cell who experience chronic pain, future trials should address sample size limitations and incorporate recommended strategies to address cybersickness and questionnaire response. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The first known application of in-home virtual reality for chronic pain in adults with sickle cell disease was successful. Findings can inform future in-home investigations of virtual reality in this underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Matthie
- Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Melinda Higgins
- Office of Nursing Research; Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ardith Doorenbos
- Biobehavioral Nursing Science; University of Illinois Chicago, College of Nursing, Chicago, IL
| | - Todd Maddox
- Clinical Research and Development, AppliedVR, Inc., Van Nuys, CA
| | - Coretta Jenerette
- University of California San Francisco, School of Nursing, San Francisco, CA
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Čeko M, Baeuerle T, Webster L, Wager TD, Lumley MA. The effects of virtual reality neuroscience-based therapy on clinical and neuroimaging outcomes in patients with chronic back pain: a randomized clinical trial. Pain 2024; 165:1860-1874. [PMID: 38466872 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chronic pain remains poorly managed. The integration of immersive technologies (ie, virtual reality [VR]) with neuroscience-based principles may provide effective pain treatment by targeting cognitive and affective neural processes that maintain pain and therefore potentially changing neurobiological circuits associated with pain chronification and amplification. We tested the effectiveness of a novel VR neuroscience-based therapy (VRNT) to improve pain-related outcomes in n = 31 participants with chronic back pain, evaluated against usual care (waitlist control; n = 30) in a 2-arm randomized clinical trial ( NCT04468074) . We also conducted pre-treatment and post-treatment MRI to test whether VRNT affects brain networks previously linked to chronic pain and treatment effects. Compared with the control condition, VRNT led to significantly reduced pain intensity (g = 0.63) and pain interference (g = 0.84) at post-treatment vs pre-treatment, with effects persisting at 2-week follow-up. These improvements were partially mediated by reduced kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing. Several secondary clinical outcomes were also improved by VRNT, including disability, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue. In addition, VRNT was associated with increases in dorsomedial prefrontal functional connectivity with the superior somatomotor, anterior prefrontal and visual cortices, and decreased white matter fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum adjacent to the anterior cingulate, relative to the control condition. Thus, VRNT showed preliminary efficacy in significantly reducing pain and improving overall functioning, possibly through changes in somatosensory and prefrontal brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Čeko
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
| | | | - Lynn Webster
- U.S. Center for Policy, Scientific Affairs, Dr. Vince Clinical Research, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tor D Wager
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Mark A Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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De Lucia A, Perlini C, Chiarotto A, Pachera S, Pasini I, Del Piccolo L, Donisi V. eHealth-Integrated Psychosocial and Physical Interventions for Chronic Pain in Older Adults: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e55366. [PMID: 39073865 PMCID: PMC11319891 DOI: 10.2196/55366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is highly present among older adults, affecting their physical, psychological, and social functioning. A biopsychosocial multimodal approach to CNCP management is currently extensively suggested by international clinical practice guidelines. Recently, the growing development and application of eHealth within pain management has yielded encouraging results in terms of effectiveness and feasibility; however, its use among the older population remains underexamined. OBJECTIVE The overall aim of this scoping review was to systematically map existing literature about eHealth multimodal interventions (including both physical and psychosocial components) targeting older adults with CNCP. METHODS This review adhered to the JBI methodology, a protocol was a priori registered as a preprint on the medRxiv platform, and the results were reported according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were systematically searched for relevant articles. Studies were included if they reported on multimodal interventions (including both physical and psychosocial components) delivered through any eHealth modality to an older population with any type of CNCP. Two reviewers selected the studies: first by screening titles and abstracts and second by screening full-text articles. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. The results of the studies were summarized narratively. RESULTS A total of 9 studies (n=6, 67% published between 2021 and 2023) with quality rated as medium to high were included, of which 7 (78%) were randomized controlled trials (n=5, 71% were pilot and feasibility studies). All the included studies evaluated self-management interventions, most of them (n=7, 78%) specifically designed for older adults. The participants were aged between 65 and 75 years on average (mean 68.5, SD 3.5 y) and had been diagnosed with different types of CNCP (eg, osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain). Most of the included studies (5/9, 56%) involved the use of multiple eHealth modalities, with a higher use of web-based programs and video consulting. Only 1 (11%) of the 9 studies involved a virtual reality-based intervention. The evaluated interventions showed signs of effectiveness in the targeted biopsychosocial outcomes, and the participants' engagement and ratings of satisfaction were generally positive. However, several research gaps were identified and discussed. CONCLUSIONS Overall, of late, there has been a growing interest in the potential that eHealth multimodal interventions offer in terms of improving pain, physical, and psychosocial outcomes in older adults with CNCP. However, existing literature on this topic still seems scarce and highly heterogeneous, with few proper randomized controlled trials, precluding robust conclusions. Several gaps emerged in terms of the older population considered and the lack of evaluation of comorbidities. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1101/2023.07.27.23293235.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa De Lucia
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cinzia Perlini
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Chiarotto
- Department of General Practice, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sara Pachera
- Fondazione Casa di Riposo S Giuseppe Nonprofit Organization of Social Utility, San Martino Buon Albergo (Verona), Italy
| | - Ilenia Pasini
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lidia Del Piccolo
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Valeria Donisi
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Groninger H, Violanti D, Mete M. Virtual reality for pain management in hospitalized patients with cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Cancer 2024; 130:2552-2560. [PMID: 38943468 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35282] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalized patients with cancer often experience acute and/or chronic pain. Although virtual reality (VR) has been extensively studied across a wide range of clinical settings, no studies have yet evaluated potential impact on pain management in this patient population. METHODS Prospective randomized controlled trial at an urban academic hospital comparing VR against an active control to mitigate moderate-severe cancer disease and treatment-related pain. RESULTS A total of 128 adult hospitalized patients with cancer (any tumor type) were randomized to 10 minutes of immersive VR distraction therapy or 10 minutes of two-dimensional guided imagery distraction therapy delivered by handheld tablet. Participants in the two arms were similar in age, sex, race, presence of metastatic disease, concurrent pain specialist consultation, and baseline opioid use. Although both groups experienced improved self-reported pain scores (primary outcome), those randomized to VR experienced significantly greater reduction in pain immediately after intervention compared with active control (p = .03). This difference was sustained for 24 hours as well (p = .004). Within-group analysis showed significant improvement in VR arm of pain bothersomeness (p = .05) and general distress (p = .03) as well. CONCLUSION Among hospitalized adult patients with moderate-severe pain related to cancer and cancer therapies, VR provided more nonpharmacologic pain relief than active control and this benefit sustained long after conclusion of the intervention. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Virtual reality (VR), a developing technology that immerses the user in new environments, has been shown to improve pain in different patient populations. To test the role of VR in improving pain in hospitalized patients with cancer who report moderate-severe pain, we compared the impact of a 10-minute immersive VR intervention to that of a 10-minute two-dimensional guided imagery experience to improve self-reported pain scores. We found that, although both interventions improved pain, VR did so significantly more. Moreover, participants assigned to VR had sustained improvement in pain 24 hours later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter Groninger
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Diana Violanti
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Mihriye Mete
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Bulaj G, Coleman M, Johansen B, Kraft S, Lam W, Phillips K, Rohaj A. Redesigning Pharmacy to Improve Public Health Outcomes: Expanding Retail Spaces for Digital Therapeutics to Replace Consumer Products That Increase Mortality and Morbidity Risks. PHARMACY 2024; 12:107. [PMID: 39051391 PMCID: PMC11270305 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12040107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
United States healthcare outcomes, including avoidable mortality rates, are among the worst of high-income countries despite the highest healthcare spending per capita. While community pharmacies contribute to chronic disease management and preventive medicine, they also offer consumer products that increase mortality risks and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and depression. To resolve these contradictions, our perspective article describes opportunities for major pharmacy chains (e.g., CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens) to introduce digital health aisles dedicated to prescription and over-the-counter digital therapeutics (DTx), together with mobile apps and wearables that support disease self-management, wellness, and well-being. We provide an evidence-based rationale for digital health aisles to replace spaces devoted to sugar-sweetened beverages and other unhealthy commodities (alcohol, tobacco) that may increase risks for premature death. We discuss how digital health aisles can serve as marketing and patient education resources, informing customers about commercially available DTx and other technologies that support healthy lifestyles. Since pharmacy practice requires symbiotic balancing between profit margins and patient-centered, value-based care, replacing health-harming products with health-promoting technologies could positively impact prevention of chronic diseases, as well as the physical and mental health of patients and caregivers who visit neighborhood pharmacies in order to pick up medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Melissa Coleman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Blake Johansen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Sarah Kraft
- Independent Researcher, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Wayne Lam
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Katie Phillips
- College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Aarushi Rohaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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11
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Greenwald HJ, Berger A, Wilson RLH, Greenwald DJ, Lannon E, Johnson-Smith P, Bergman BG, Wilens TE. A pilot study of virtual reality for inpatients with opioid use disorder. Am J Addict 2024; 33:423-429. [PMID: 38430207 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13526] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES While inpatient withdrawal management/acute stabilization can improve outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), patients often leave treatment early due to mood, tension, and cravings associated with opioid withdrawal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a novel virtual reality (VR) based intervention; 3D Therapy Thrive (3DTT). METHODS Subjects with OUD (N = 32) were recruited from a community acute stabilization program and received up to two sessions of 3DTT. They completed questionnaires related to their overall satisfaction with the experience and side effects; as well as those related to mood, tension, and cravings. RESULTS There were no reported side effects and the majority of subjects (94%) reported high satisfaction with the experience. Out of 62 patients approached, 33 patients agreed to participate (53%) 33 patients completed one, and 17 of these patients (52%) completed both sessions of 3DTT, with 19 participants (58%) completing their treatment protocols. Compared to baseline, 3DTT participants reported significant reductions in depression, tension, and cravings (p's < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This pilot study supports the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of 3DTT for improving outcomes for inpatients with OUD. Future randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of 3DTT for improving retention, reducing cravings, and improving mood and tension. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of a psychologically informed VR intervention in inpatients with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert J Greenwald
- 3D Therapy, LLC, Beverly, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychology, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy Berger
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ronan L H Wilson
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Brandon G Bergman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy E Wilens
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Coffee Z, Cheng K, Slebodnik M, Mulligan K, Yu CH, Vanderah TW, Gordon JS. The Impact of Nonpharmacological Interventions on Opioid Use for Chronic Noncancer Pain: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:794. [PMID: 38929040 PMCID: PMC11203961 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Despite the lack of evidence, opioids are still routinely used as a solution to long-term management for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP). Given the significant risks associated with long-term opioid use, including the increased number of unregulated opioid pills at large in the opioid ecosystem, opioid cessation or reduction may be the desired goal of the patient and clinician. Viable nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) to complement and/or replace opioids for CNCP are needed. Comprehensive reviews that address the impact of NPIs to help adults with CNCP reduce opioid use safely are lacking. We conducted a literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus for studies published in English. The initial search was conducted in April 2021, and updated in January 2024. The literature search yielded 19,190 relevant articles. Thirty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria and underwent data extraction. Of these, nineteen (49%) were randomized controlled trials, eighteen (46%) were observational studies, and two (5%) were secondary analyses. Among adults with CNCP who use opioids for pain management, studies on mindfulness, yoga, educational programs, certain devices or digital technology, chiropractic, and combination NPIs suggest that they might be an effective approach for reducing both pain intensity and opioid use, but other NPIs did not show a significant effect (e.g., hypnosis, virtual reality). This review revealed there is a small to moderate body of literature demonstrating that some NPIs might be an effective and safe approach for reducing pain and opioid use, concurrently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanette Coffee
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Kevin Cheng
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | | | - Kimberly Mulligan
- Veterans Health Administration, Central California, Fresno, CA 93706, USA
| | - Chong Ho Yu
- Department of Mathematics, Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA;
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, Comprehensive Center for Pain and Addiction, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Judith S. Gordon
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
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Van Oirschot G, Doherty C. Designing multimedia patient education materials for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial of patient education videos. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297394. [PMID: 38781168 PMCID: PMC11115215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-masked three-armed feasibility parallel randomized controlled trial. Multimedia patient education materials are increasingly used in healthcare. While much research focuses on optimising their scientific content, research is equally needed to optimise design and implementation. This study aims to determine the feasibility of a study examining how the implementation of scientific advice on design affects patient outcomes. Participants aged 10-18 with radiographically confirmed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis will be recruited from community settings in Ireland and randomized into usual care or receiving multimedia educational videos with or without evidence-informed design principles. Participants will be masked in the two video intervention arms, as will the therapist sending the educational videos. Outcomes will include the number of participants recruited and randomized, the number analysed post-intervention and at week eight, and the outcomes for baseline, post-intervention, and week 8. Adverse events will also be reported. This feasibility randomized controlled trial will offer insight into the feasibility of implementing advice from the literature in designing a trial of multimedia patient education materials for a population with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Trial registration: Clinical Trail: Trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT06090344.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garett Van Oirschot
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cailbhe Doherty
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Maddox T, Garcia H, Ffrench K, Maddox R, Garcia L, Krishnamurthy P, Okhotin D, Sparks C, Oldstone L, Birckhead B, Sackman J, Mackey I, Louis R, Salmasi V, Oyao A, Darnall BD. In-home virtual reality program for chronic low back pain: durability of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to 18 months post-treatment. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024; 49:373-375. [PMID: 36427904 PMCID: PMC11103290 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2022-104093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Brandon Birckhead
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Louis
- Hoag Memorial Hospital Newport Beach, Newport Beach, California, USA
| | - Vafi Salmasi
- Pain Management, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | | | - Beth D Darnall
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Moreau S, Thérond A, Cerda IH, Studer K, Pan A, Tharpe J, Crowther JE, Abd-Elsayed A, Gilligan C, Tolba R, Ashina S, Schatman ME, Kaye AD, Yong RJ, Robinson CL. Virtual Reality in Acute and Chronic Pain Medicine: An Updated Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024:10.1007/s11916-024-01246-2. [PMID: 38587725 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review critically analyzes the recent literature on virtual reality's (VR) use in acute and chronic pain management, offering insights into its efficacy, applications, and limitations. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies, including meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated VR's effectiveness in reducing pain intensity in various acute pain scenarios, such as procedural/acute pain and in chronic pain conditions. The role of factors such as immersion and presence in enhancing VR's efficacy has been emphasized. Further benefits have been identified in the use of VR for assessment as well as symptom gathering through conversational avatars. However, studies are limited, and strong conclusions will require further investigation. VR is emerging as a promising non-pharmacological intervention in pain management for acute and chronic pain. However, its long-term efficacy, particularly in chronic pain management, remains an area requiring further research. Key findings highlight that VR programs vary in efficacy depending on the specificity of the origin of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacha Moreau
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra Thérond
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec a Montréal, 100 Sherbrooke St W, Montréal, QC, H2X 3P2, Canada.
| | - Ivo H Cerda
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kachina Studer
- Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alicia Pan
- Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacob Tharpe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jason E Crowther
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Reda Tolba
- Pain Management Department in the Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sait Ashina
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael E Schatman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care, and Pain Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health-Division of Medical Ethics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | | | - Christopher L Robinson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Araujo-Duran J, Kopac O, Montalvo Campana M, Bakal O, Sessler DI, Hofstra RL, Shah K, Turan A, Ayad S. Virtual Reality Distraction for Reducing Acute Postoperative Pain After Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial. Anesth Analg 2024; 138:751-759. [PMID: 37678233 PMCID: PMC10909914 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006642] [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] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relaxation and distraction provided by virtual reality presentations might be analgesic and reduce the need for opioid analgesia. We tested the hypothesis that a virtual reality program (AppliedVR) decreases acute postoperative pain and opioid requirements in patients recovering from hip arthroplasty. We also evaluated whether virtual reality distraction improves patient mobility and reduces the need for antiemetics. METHODS We evaluated 106 adults who were recovering from elective primary total hip arthroplasty. Participating patients were randomized to 2- to 8-minute-long 3-dimensional immersive virtual reality relaxation and distraction video presentations (eg, guided breathing exercises, games, mindfulness) or to 2-dimensional presentations of nature short films (eg, forest wildlife) with neutral music that was chosen to be neither overly relaxing nor distracting, presented through identical headsets. Our primary outcome was pain after virtual reality or sham video presentations, adjusted for pretreatment scores. Secondary outcomes included total opioid consumption, pain scores obtained per routine by nurse staff, perception of video system usability, and pain 1 week after hospital discharge. RESULTS Fifty-two patients were randomized to virtual reality distraction and relaxation, and 54 were assigned to 2-dimensional sham presentations. Virtual reality presentations were not found to affect pain scores before and after presentations, with an estimated difference in means (virtual reality minus sham video) of -0.1 points (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.5 to 0.2; P = .391) on a 0 to 10 scale, with 10 being the worst. The mean (standard error [SE]) after-intervention pain score was estimated to be 3.4 (0.3) in the virtual reality group and 3.5 (0.2) in the reference group. Virtual reality treatment was not found to affect postoperative opioid consumption in morphine milligram equivalents, with an estimated ratio of geometric means (virtual reality/sham video) of 1.2 (95% CI, 0.6-2.1; P = .608). Virtual reality presentations were not found to reduce pain scores collected every 4 hours by nursing staff, with an estimated difference in means of 0.1 points (95% CI, -0.9 to 0.7; P = .768). CONCLUSIONS We did not observe statistically significant or clinically meaningful reductions in average pain scores or opioid consumption. As used in our trial, virtual reality did not reduce acute postoperative pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Omer Bakal
- From the Department of Outcomes Research
| | | | | | - Karan Shah
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences
| | - Alparslan Turan
- From the Department of Outcomes Research
- Department of General Anesthesiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sabry Ayad
- From the Department of Outcomes Research
- Department of Regional Practice, Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic/Fairview Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
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Scholz C, Schmigalle P, Plessen CY, Liegl G, Vajkoczy P, Prasser F, Rose M, Obbarius A. The effect of self-management techniques on relevant outcomes in chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:532-550. [PMID: 38071425 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2221] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Among many treatment approaches for chronic low back pain (CLBP), self-management techniques are becoming increasingly important. The aim of this paper was to (a) provide an overview of existing digital self-help interventions for CLBP and (b) examine the effect of these interventions in reducing pain intensity, pain catastrophizing and pain disability. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT Following the PRISMA guideline, a systematic literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Cochrane databases. We included randomized controlled trials from the last 10 years that examined the impact of digital self-management interventions on at least one of the three outcomes in adult patients with CLBP (duration ≥3 months). The meta-analysis was based on random-effects models. Standardized tools were used to assess the risk of bias (RoB) for each study and the quality of evidence for each outcome. RESULTS We included 12 studies (n = 1545). A small but robust and statistically significant pooled effect was found on pain intensity (g = 0.24; 95% CI [0.09, 0.40], k = 12) and pain disability (g = 0.43; 95% CI [0.27, 0.59], k = 11). The effect on pain catastrophizing was not significant (g = 0.38; 95% CI [-0.31, 1.06], k = 4). The overall effect size including all three outcomes was g = 0.33 (95% CI [0.21, 0.44], k = 27). The RoB of the included studies was mixed. The quality of evidence was moderate or high. CONCLUSION In summary, we were able to substantiate recent evidence that digital self-management interventions are effective in the treatment of CLBP. Given the heterogeneity of interventions, further research should aim to investigate which patients benefit most from which approach. SIGNIFICANCE This meta-analysis examines the effect of digital self-management techniques in patients with CLBP. The results add to the evidence that digital interventions can help patients reduce their pain intensity and disability. A minority of studies point towards the possibility that digital interventions can reduce pain catastrophizing. Future research should further explore which patients benefit most from these kinds of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Scholz
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - P Schmigalle
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Y Plessen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - G Liegl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - P Vajkoczy
- Department for Neurosurgery with Pediatric Neurosurgery, Center for Neurology, Neurosurgery und Psychiatry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Prasser
- Center of Health Data Sciences, Berlin Institut of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Rose
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A Obbarius
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Hong SJ, Park J, Park S, Eze B, Dorsey SG, Starkweather A, Kim K. Software-based interventions for low back pain management: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nurs Scholarsh 2024; 56:206-226. [PMID: 37817392 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12937] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Using software for self-management interventions can improve health outcomes for individuals with low back pain, but there is a dearth of research to confirm its effectiveness. Additionally, no known research has evaluated the effective elements of software-based interventions for low back pain self-management components. This study aimed to synthesize the effectiveness of software-based interventions to promote self-management health outcomes among individuals with low back pain. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement, relevant studies up to July 2022 were searched via four electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science. RESULTS 4908 adults with low back pain who participated in 23 studies were included. Software-based interventions were effective in reducing fear avoidance (mean difference [MD] = -0.95, 95% CI: -1.45 to -0.44), pain catastrophizing (MD = -1.31, 95% CI: -1.84 to -0.78), disability (MD = -8.21, 95% CI: -13.02 to -3.39), and pain intensity (MD = -0.86, 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.55). Specifically, interventions that included an exercise component were more effective in reducing pain and disability. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention significantly reduced fear avoidance and pain catastrophizing but had no noticeable impact on disability and pain compared to standard treatment. The certainty of the evidence in this review varied from very low to high across outcomes. The heterogeneity of the study results was significant, suggesting that future studies in this area could optimize the design, time points, measures, and outcomes to strengthen the evidence. CONCLUSIONS Low back pain self-management interventions delivered through software-based programs effectively reduce pain intensity, disability, fear avoidance, and pain catastrophizing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Low back pain is among the most common reasons for seeking healthcare visits. Combining exercise and counseling through soft-based programs may effectively address this issue and its associated suffering and disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jin Hong
- College of Nursing, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jinkyung Park
- College of Nursing, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Soyeon Park
- College of Nursing, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bright Eze
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Susan G Dorsey
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Kyounghae Kim
- College of Nursing, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
- Nursing Research Institute, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
- BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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19
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Su S, He J, Wang R, Chen Z, Zhou F. The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality Rehabilitation in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Arthroplasty 2024; 39:582-590.e4. [PMID: 37598785 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extended reality (XR), including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, has been increasingly used in postoperative rehabilitation of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of XR-based rehabilitation in TKA compared to conventional rehabilitation. METHODS In this study, we searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase (OVID), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to February 15, 2023 for eligible studies. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials with 989 patients were included in our study. The primary outcomes were pain and function. The secondary outcomes were anxiety and quality of life. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS The pooled data indicated XR-based rehabilitation significantly improved the visual analog scale (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.31, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [-0.47 to -0.15], P = .0001), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI [-0.86 to -0.06], P = .02), range of motion (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI [0.09 to 0.72], P = .01), and anxiety scores (mean difference = -3.95, 95% CI [-7.76 to -0.13], P = .04) than conventional rehabilitation, but Timed Up and Go test and quality of life were similar in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION This systematic review and meta-analysis found XR-based rehabilitation improved pain, function, and anxiety, but not quality of life in TKA compared to conventional rehabilitation within 1 month postoperatively. Based on the pooled results, we suggested that XR-based rehabilitation may have benefit in patients' postoperative rehabilitation in TKA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilong Su
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Juan He
- College of Stomatology, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ruideng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyang Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Engineering Research Center of Bone and Joint Precision Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Foy JG, Kechichian S, Foy MR, Ziadni M. Psychological/behavioral interventions for emerging adults with chronic pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1253700. [PMID: 38476354 PMCID: PMC10927809 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1253700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Emerging adults, of whom significant numbers report chronic pain, are characterized as having unique needs and challenges. Psychological/behavioral treatments found to be beneficial for reducing pain outcomes in children and adults are understudied in emerging adults. Following a systematic review of the literature, our objective is to report on quantitative studies of psychological/behavioral interventions for chronic pain in emerging adults. Method We conducted a search of six databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science) and reference sections in dissertations and systematic reviews to 4/29/2023. Keywords and phrases were search term combinations of "chronic/persistent pain", "emerging/young adults," and "intervention/treatment" using Boolean logic. Results Our review resulted in identifying 37 articles, of which 2 duplicates were removed, and 31 were further excluded by a screening process based on various inclusionary and exclusionary criteria. The search yielded four studies on psychological/behavioral interventions (yoga, acceptance and commitment therapy and relaxation), all of which positively affected the pain experience and/or pain-related outcomes. These studies presented issues in design such as not being blinded or randomized, having a small sample size, and potential confounds that were not reported or examined. Discussion The low number of studies reveals a large gap in the literature and is a call-to-action to further expand our understanding of effective and safer psychological/behavioral therapies for chronic pain in emerging adults. Successful pain management during this developmental phase may help young adults achieve positive trajectories for personal, occupational, relational, and health aspects of their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith G. Foy
- Department of Psychological Science, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sandra Kechichian
- Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA, United States
| | - Michael R. Foy
- Department of Psychological Science, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Maisa Ziadni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Li R, Li Y, Kong Y, Li H, Hu D, Fu C, Wei Q. Virtual Reality-Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e45406. [PMID: 38407948 PMCID: PMC10928528 DOI: 10.2196/45406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain is one of the most prevalent pain conditions worldwide. Virtual reality-based training has been used for low back pain as a new treatment strategy. Present evidence indicated that the effectiveness of virtual reality-based training for people with chronic low back pain is inconclusive. OBJECTIVE This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the immediate- and short-term effects of virtual reality-based training on pain, pain-related fear, and disability in people with chronic low back pain. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception until January 2024. Only randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of virtual reality-based training on individuals with chronic low back pain were selected. The outcomes were focused on pain, pain-related fear measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index. The immediate term was defined as the immediate period after intervention, and the short term was defined as 3 to 6 months after intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach were used to evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence, respectively. RESULTS In total, 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1059 patients were eligible for analysis. Virtual reality-based training showed significant improvements in pain (mean difference [MD] -1.43; 95% CI -1.86 to -1.00; I2=95%; P<.001), pain-related fear using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (MD -5.46; 95% CI -9.40 to 1.52; I2=90%; P=.007), and disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (MD -11.50; 95% CI -20.00 to -3.01; I2=95%; P=.008) in individuals with chronic low back pain immediately after interventions. However, there were no significant differences observed in pain (P=.16), pain-related fear (P=.10), and disability (P=.43) in the short term. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that virtual reality-based training can be used effectively for individuals with chronic low back pain in the immediate term, especially to reduce pain, alleviate pain-related fear, and improve disability. However, the short-term benefits need more high-quality trials to be demonstrated. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021292633; http://tinyurl.com/25mydxpz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinghao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Youli Kong
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanbin Li
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Danrong Hu
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenying Fu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Aging and Geriatric Mechanism Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
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Mauck MC, Aylward AF, Barton CE, Birckhead B, Carey T, Dalton DM, Fields AJ, Fritz J, Hassett AL, Hoffmeyer A, Jones SB, McLean SA, Mehling WE, O'Neill CW, Schneider MJ, Williams DA, Zheng P, Wasan AD. [Evidence-based interventions to treat chronic low back pain: treatment selection for a personalized medicine approach : German version]. Schmerz 2024:10.1007/s00482-024-00798-x. [PMID: 38381187 DOI: 10.1007/s00482-024-00798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is highly prevalent in the United States and globally, resulting in functional impairment and lowered quality of life. While many treatments are available for cLBP, clinicians have little information about which specific treatment(s) will work best for individual patients or subgroups of patients. The Back Pain Research Consortium, part of the National Institutes of Health Helping to End Addiction Long-termSM (HEAL) Initiative, will conduct a collaborative clinical trial, which seeks to develop a personalized medicine algorithm to optimize patient and provider treatment selection for patients with cLBP. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this article is to provide an update on evidence-based cLBP interventions and describe the process of reviewing and selecting interventions for inclusion in the clinical trial. METHODS A working group of cLBP experts reviewed and selected interventions for inclusion in the clinical trial. The primary evaluation measures were strength of evidence and magnitude of treatment effect. When available in the literature, duration of effect, onset time, carryover effect, multimodal efficacy, responder subgroups, and evidence for the mechanism of treatment effect or biomarkers were considered. CONCLUSION The working group selected 4 leading, evidence-based treatments for cLBP to be tested in the clinical trial and for use in routine clinical treatment. These treatments include (1) duloxetine, (2) acceptance and commitment therapy, (3) a classification-based exercise and manual therapy intervention, and (4) a self-management approach. These interventions each had a moderate to high level of evidence to support a therapeutic effect and were from different therapeutic classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Mauck
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7011, 27599-7010, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Aileen F Aylward
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chloe E Barton
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7011, 27599-7010, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brandon Birckhead
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Timothy Carey
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Diane M Dalton
- Department of Physical Therapy, Boston University, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Sargent, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron J Fields
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Kalifornien, USA
| | - Julie Fritz
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Afton L Hassett
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anna Hoffmeyer
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara B Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Samuel A McLean
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7011, 27599-7010, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Wolf E Mehling
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, Kalifornien, USA
| | - Conor W O'Neill
- Section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Kalifornien, USA
| | - Michael J Schneider
- Department of Physical Therapy and Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David A Williams
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patricia Zheng
- Section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Kalifornien, USA
| | - Ajay D Wasan
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Saby A, Alvarez A, Smolins D, Petros J, Nguyen L, Trujillo M, Aygün O. Effects of Embodiment in Virtual Reality for Treatment of Chronic Pain: Pilot Open-Label Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e34162. [PMID: 38363591 PMCID: PMC10907942 DOI: 10.2196/34162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain has long been a major health burden that has been addressed through numerous forms of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. One of the tenets of modern medicine is to minimize risk while providing efficacy. Further, because of its noninvasive nature, virtual reality (VR) provides an attractive platform for potentially developing novel therapeutic modalities. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a novel VR-based digital therapy for the treatment of chronic pain. METHODS An open-label study assessed the feasibility of using virtual embodiment in VR to treat chronic pain. In total, 24 patients with chronic pain were recruited from local pain clinics and completed 8 sessions of a novel digital therapeutic that combines virtual embodiment with graded motor imagery to deliver functional rehabilitation exercises over the course of 4 weeks. Pain intensity as measured by a visual analog scale before and after each virtual embodiment training session was used as the primary outcome measure. Additionally, a battery of patient-reported pain questionnaires (Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire) were administered before and after 8 sessions of virtual embodiment training as exploratory outcome measures to assess if the measures are appropriate and warrant a larger randomized controlled trial. RESULTS A 2-way ANOVA on session × pre- versus postvirtual embodiment training revealed that individual virtual embodiment training sessions significantly reduced the intensity of pain as measured by the visual analog scale (P<.001). Perceived disability due to lower back pain as measured by the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire significantly improved (P=.003) over the 4-week course of virtual embodiment regimen. Improvement was also observed on the helplessness subscale of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that functional rehabilitation exercises delivered in VR are safe and may have positive effects on alleviating the symptoms of chronic pain. Additionally, the virtual embodiment intervention may improve perceived disability and helplessness of patients with chronic pain after 8 sessions. The results support the justification for a larger randomized controlled trial to assess the extent to which virtual embodiment training can exert an effect on symptoms associated with chronic pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04060875; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04060875.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Saby
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Occupational Health Division, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | | | - James Petros
- Allied Pain and Spine, San Jose, CA, United States
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Zhang T, Li X, Zhou X, Zhan L, Wu F, Huang Z, Sun Y, Feng Y, Du Q. Virtual Reality Therapy for the Management of Chronic Spinal Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Serious Games 2024; 12:e50089. [PMID: 38345832 PMCID: PMC10897798 DOI: 10.2196/50089] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy in adults with chronic spinal pain (CSP) is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of VR therapy and other therapies in adults with CSP, especially patients with inflammation-related pain. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched up to November 11, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing adults with CSP receiving VR therapy with those receiving other therapies were included. The trial registration platform as well as the reference lists of included studies and previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses were manually searched. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and evaluation of the quality of the evidence. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was used as the effect size used to synthesize the outcome measure. RESULTS In total, 16 RCTs involving 800 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled data from 15 (94%) RCTs including 776 (97%) participants showed that VR therapy was superior in improving pain intensity (WMD=-1.63, 95% CI -2.11 to -1.16, P<.001, I2=90%) and reducing inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (WMD=-0.89, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.70, P<.001, I2=0%), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (WMD=-6.60, 95% CI -8.56 to -4.64, P<.001, I2=98%), and interleukin-6 (WMD=-2.76, 95% CI -2.98 to -2.53, P<.001, I2=0%). However, no significant differences were found in terms of the spinal range of motion (ROM), disability level, or fear of movement. In addition, 10 (63%) of the included RCTs had a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS VR therapy may be an effective and safe intervention for reducing symptoms in patients with CSP, as it is shown to exert significant analgesic effects and beneficial improvements in inflammatory factor levels. However, this approach may not have significant effects on the spinal ROM, disability level, or fear of movement. Notably, the quality of the evidence from the RCTs included in this study ranged from moderate to low. Therefore, we recommend that readers interpret the results of this study with caution. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022382331; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=382331.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Zhan
- The Second People's Hospital of Beihai, Beihai, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zefan Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxun Sun
- College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufei Feng
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Du
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Chongming Hospital, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Johansson M, Romero D, Jakobson M, Heinemans N, Lindner P. Digital interventions targeting excessive substance use and substance use disorders: a comprehensive and systematic scoping review and bibliometric analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1233888. [PMID: 38374977 PMCID: PMC10875034 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1233888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Addictive substances are prevalent world-wide, and their use presents a substantial and persistent public health problem. A wide range of digital interventions to decrease use and negative consequences thereof have been explored, differing in approach, theoretical grounding, use of specific technologies, and more. The current study was designed to comprehensively map the recent (2015-2022) extant literature in a systematic manner, and to identify neglected and emerging knowledge gaps. Four major databases (Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, and PsychInfo) were searched using database-specific search strategies, combining terms related to clinical presentation (alcohol, tobacco or other drug use), technology and aim. After deduplication, the remaining n=13,917 unique studies published were manually screened in two stages, leaving a final n=3,056 studies, the abstracts of which were subjected to a tailored coding scheme. Findings revealed an accelerating rate of publications in this field, with randomized trials being the most common study type. Several meta-analyses on the topic have now been published, revealing promising and robust effects. Digital interventions are being offered on numerous levels, from targeted prevention to specialized clinics. Detailed coding was at times made difficult by inconsistent use of specific terms, which has important implications for future meta-analyses. Moreover, we identify several gaps in the extant literature - few health economic assessments, unclear descriptions of interventions, weak meta-analytic support for some type of interventions, and limited research on many target groups, settings and new interventions like video calls, chatbots and artificial intelligence - that we argue are important to address in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Johansson
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Danilo Romero
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miriam Jakobson
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nelleke Heinemans
- Center for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philip Lindner
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Biskupiak Z, Ha VV, Rohaj A, Bulaj G. Digital Therapeutics for Improving Effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Biological Products: Preclinical and Clinical Studies Supporting Development of Drug + Digital Combination Therapies for Chronic Diseases. J Clin Med 2024; 13:403. [PMID: 38256537 PMCID: PMC10816409 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Limitations of pharmaceutical drugs and biologics for chronic diseases (e.g., medication non-adherence, adverse effects, toxicity, or inadequate efficacy) can be mitigated by mobile medical apps, known as digital therapeutics (DTx). Authorization of adjunct DTx by the US Food and Drug Administration and draft guidelines on "prescription drug use-related software" illustrate opportunities to create drug + digital combination therapies, ultimately leading towards drug-device combination products (DTx has a status of medical devices). Digital interventions (mobile, web-based, virtual reality, and video game applications) demonstrate clinically meaningful benefits for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. In the respective animal disease models, preclinical studies on environmental enrichment and other non-pharmacological modalities (physical activity, social interactions, learning, and music) as surrogates for DTx "active ingredients" also show improved outcomes. In this narrative review, we discuss how drug + digital combination therapies can impact translational research, drug discovery and development, generic drug repurposing, and gene therapies. Market-driven incentives to create drug-device combination products are illustrated by Humira® (adalimumab) facing a "patent-cliff" competition with cheaper and more effective biosimilars seamlessly integrated with DTx. In conclusion, pharma and biotech companies, patients, and healthcare professionals will benefit from accelerating integration of digital interventions with pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zack Biskupiak
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Victor Vinh Ha
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Aarushi Rohaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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27
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Slatman S, Groenveld T, Ostelo R, van Goor H, Staal JB, Knoop J. Development of a Multimodal, Personalized Intervention of Virtual Reality Integrated Within Physiotherapy for Patients With Complex Chronic Low-Back Pain. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EXTENDED REALITY 2024; 1:30-43. [PMID: 38505475 PMCID: PMC10945762 DOI: 10.1089/jmxr.2023.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Background Chronic low-back pain (CLBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability. Physiotherapy is the most common treatment option for CLBP, but effects are often unsatisfactory. Virtual reality (VR) offers possibilities to enhance the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment. Primary aim was to develop and test a personalized VR intervention integrated within a physiotherapy treatment for patients with CLBP. Methods This study describes an intervention development process using mixed methods design that followed the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework. This involved a cocreation process with patients, physiotherapists, and researchers. A draft intervention was constructed based on a literature review and focus groups, and subsequently tested in a feasibility study and evaluated in focus groups. Focus group data were analyzed using thematic analysis. This intervention development process resulted in a final intervention. Results Focus group data showed that VR and physiotherapy can strengthen each other when they are well integrated, and that VR needs to be administered under the right conditions including flawless technology, physiotherapists with sufficient affinity and training, and the right expectations from patients. The draft intervention was considered feasible after evaluation by four patients and three physiotherapists and was further complemented by expanding the training for physiotherapists and improving the protocols for physiotherapists and patients. The final intervention consisted of a 12-week physiotherapy treatment with three integrated VR modules: pain education, physical exercise, and relaxation. Conclusion Using the MRC framework in cocreation with the end users, a personalized VR intervention integrated within a physiotherapy treatment for patients with CLBP was developed. This intervention was found to be feasible and will subsequently be evaluated for (cost-)effectiveness in a cluster randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syl Slatman
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, School for Allied Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Signals and Systems Group, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Tjitske Groenveld
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond Ostelo
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit and Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Musculoskeletal Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J. Bart Staal
- Department of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, School for Allied Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of IQ Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jesper Knoop
- Department of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, School for Allied Health, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ehioghae M, Montoya A, Keshav R, Vippa TK, Manuk-Hakobyan H, Hasoon J, Kaye AD, Urits I. Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation Interventions in Improving Postoperative Outcomes for Orthopedic Surgery Patients. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:37-45. [PMID: 38032538 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01192-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The surge in orthopedic surgeries strains the US healthcare system, necessitating innovative rehabilitation solutions. This review examines the potential of virtual reality (VR)-based interventions for orthopedic rehabilitation. RECENT FINDINGS The effectiveness of VR-based interventions in orthopedic surgery patients is scrutinized. While some studies suggest better patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction, mixed results emerge from others, demonstrating comparable or varied results compared to traditional rehabilitation. The underlying mechanisms of VR-based rehabilitation are elucidated, showing its positive impact on proprioception, pain management, agency, and balance. Challenges of unfamiliarity, patient engagement, and drop-out rates are identified, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches. VR technology's immersive environments and multisensory experiences offer a novel approach to addressing functional deficits and pain post-surgery. The conclusion drawn is that VR-based rehabilitation complements rather than replaces conventional methods, potentially aiding in pain reduction and functional improvement. VR-based rehabilitation holds promise for enhancing orthopedic surgery outcomes, presenting a dynamic approach to recovery. Its potential to reshape healthcare delivery and reimbursement structures underscores its significance in modern healthcare. Overall, VR-based rehabilitation offers a promising avenue for optimizing postoperative recovery in orthopedic surgery patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ehioghae
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Alexis Montoya
- , Eastern Virginia Medical School 825 Fairfax Ave, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
| | - Ritwik Keshav
- , Eastern Virginia Medical School 825 Fairfax Ave, Norfolk, VA, 23507, USA
| | - Tarun K Vippa
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, 475 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Hayk Manuk-Hakobyan
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #5725, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Jamal Hasoon
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Ivan Urits
- Southcoast Health Pain Management, 100 Rosebrook Way, Wareham, 02571, USA
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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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30
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Goldsworthy A, Chawla J, Birt J, Baumann O, Gough S. Use of extended reality in sleep health, medicine, and research: a scoping review. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad201. [PMID: 37498981 PMCID: PMC10636250 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES This scoping review explores the use of extended reality (virtual, augmented, and mixed reality) within sleep health, sleep medicine, and sleep research. It aims to provide insight into current uses and implementation considerations whilst highlighting directions for future research. METHODS A systematic scoping review was undertaken informed by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses for scoping reviews and Johanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS The use of virtual reality (VR) as a research tool in the investigation of areas such as dreaming and memory reactivation is growing. Thirty-one articles were identified in total with 20 utilizing VR to improve sleep as a clinical intervention. CONCLUSIONS Research exploring the utility of VR as a clinical intervention in various patient populations and clinical settings is therefore warranted. Researchers and clinicians should ensure that extended reality interventions are developed based on clinical reasoning and informed by evidence of both sleep medicine and the effects of virtual and augmented reality. Where possible future research should utilize up-to-date technology and reporting frameworks to assist in the translation of research into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Goldsworthy
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Jasneek Chawla
- Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - James Birt
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Oliver Baumann
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Suzanne Gough
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Terzulli C, Chauvin C, Champagnol Di-Liberti C, Faisan S, Goffin L, Gianesini C, Graff D, Dufour A, Laroche E, Salvat E, Poisbeau P. Virtual reality hypnosis diminishes experimental cold pain and alters autonomic responses. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1237090. [PMID: 38028428 PMCID: PMC10651739 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1237090] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool to reduce pain in clinical setting. Digital scripts displayed by VR disposals can be enriched by several analgesic interventions, which are widely used to reduce pain. One of these techniques is hypnosis induced through the VR script (VRH) which is facilitated by immersive environment and particularly efficient even for low hypnotizable patients. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of a VRH script on experimentally induced cold pain perception (intensity and unpleasantness) and physiological expression. 41 healthy volunteers had been recruited in this within-subjects study. They received 9 stimulations of 20 s (3 non-nociceptive cold; 3 low nociceptive cold and 3 highly nociceptive cold) during a VRH session of 20 min (VRH condition) or without VRH (noVRH condition). Physiological monitoring during the cold pain stimulation protocol consisted of recording heart rate, heart rate variability and respiratory frequency. Maximum cold pain intensity perception, measured through the visual analog scale (VAS) on 10, was of 3.66 ± 1.84 (VAS score/10) in noVRH condition and 2.46 ± 1.54 in VRH (Wilcoxon, p < 0.0001). Considering pain unpleasantness perception, 3.68 ± 2.06 in noVRH and 2.21 ± 1.63 in VRH (Wilcoxon, p < 0.0001). Hypnotizability negatively correlated with the decrease in VAS intensity from noVRH to VRH (Spearman r = -0.45; p = 0.0038). In our sample, we found that 31/41 volunteers (75.6%) displayed a reduction of more than 10% of their VAS pain intensity and unpleasantness scores. Trait anxiety was the best predictor of the VRH responders, as well as heart rate variability. In addition, respiratory rate was diminished under VRH in every subgroup. VRH is an effective tool to reduced pain intensity and unpleasantness in a vast majority of healthy subjects. We further indicate in this study that heart rate variability parameter RMSSD (root mean square of successive differences) is a good predictor of this effect, as well as anxiety as a personality trait (but not state anxiety). Further studies are expected to determine more precisely to whom it will be the most useful to offer tailored, non-pharmacological pain management solutions to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Terzulli
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
- HypnoVR, Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Chauvin
- HypnoVR, Strasbourg, France
- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Sylvain Faisan
- ICube Laboratory, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Goffin
- ICube Laboratory, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Denis Graff
- HypnoVR, Strasbourg, France
- Anesthesiology Department, Clinique Rhéna, Strasbourg, France
| | - André Dufour
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Edouard Laroche
- ICube Laboratory, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric Salvat
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierrick Poisbeau
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
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Betka S, Kannape OA, Fasola J, Lance F, Cardin S, Schmit A, Similowski T, Soccal PM, Herbelin B, Adler D, Blanke O. Virtual reality intervention alleviates dyspnoea in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00570-2022. [PMID: 38020572 PMCID: PMC10658613 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00570-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immersive virtual reality (iVR)-based digital therapeutics are gaining clinical attention in the field of pain management. Based on known analogies between pain and dyspnoea, we investigated the effects of visual respiratory feedback on persistent dyspnoea in patients recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Methods We performed a controlled, randomised, single-blind, crossover proof-of-concept study (feasibility and initial clinical efficacy) to evaluate an iVR-based intervention to alleviate dyspnoea in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. Included patients reported persistent dyspnoea (≥5 on a 10-point scale) and preserved cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score >24). Assignment was random and concealed. Patients received synchronous (intervention) or asynchronous (control) feedback of their breathing, embodied via a gender-matched virtual body. The virtual body flashed in a waxing and waning visual effect that could be synchronous or asynchronous to the patient's respiratory movements. Outcomes were assessed using questionnaires and breathing recordings. Results Study enrolment was open between November 2020 and April 2021. 26 patients were enrolled (27% women; median age 55 years, interquartile range (IQR) 18 years). Data were available for 24 of 26 patients. The median rating on a 7-point Likert scale of breathing comfort improved from 1 (IQR 2) at baseline to 2 (IQR 1) for synchronous feedback, but remained unchanged at 1 (IQR 1.5) for asynchronous feedback (p<0.05 between iVR conditions). Moreover, 91.2% of all patients were satisfied with the intervention (p<0.0001) and 66.7% perceived it as beneficial for their breathing (p<0.05). Conclusion Our iVR-based digital therapy presents a feasible and safe respiratory rehabilitation tool that improves breathing comfort in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection presenting with persistent dyspnoea. Future research should investigate the intervention's generalisability to persistent dyspnoea with other aetiologies and its potential for preventing chronification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Betka
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint first authors
| | - Oliver Alan Kannape
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
- MindMaze SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Virtual Medicine Center, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint first authors
| | - Jemina Fasola
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Florian Lance
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Aline Schmit
- Division of Lung Diseases, University Hospital and Geneva Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Similowski
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, UMRS1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire APHP-Sorbonne Université, site Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département R3S, Paris, France
| | - Paola Marina Soccal
- Division of Lung Diseases, University Hospital and Geneva Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Herbelin
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint senior authors
| | - Dan Adler
- Division of Lung Diseases, University Hospital and Geneva Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint senior authors
| | - Olaf Blanke
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, Brain Mind Institute and Center for Neuroprosthetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
- Joint senior authors
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Bos E, Preller KH, Kaur G, Malhotra P, Kharawala S, Motti D. Challenges With the Use of Digital Sham: Systematic Review and Recommendations. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44764. [PMID: 37874638 PMCID: PMC10630857 DOI: 10.2196/44764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital therapeutics (DTx) are software-based products that prevent, manage, or treat a medical condition and are delivered through a smartphone app, web application, or wearable device. Clinical trials assessing DTx pose challenges, foremost among which is designing appropriate digital shams (or digital placebos), which should ideally mimic DTx (in terms of design, components, and duration of treatment) while omitting the active principle or component. OBJECTIVE The objective of our review was to understand how digital shams are being used in clinical research on DTx in neuroscience, which is the most common therapy area for DTx. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review of DTx in neuroscience (including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders) with a focus on controlled clinical trials involving digital shams. Studies were identified from trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, the European Union Clinical Trials Register, and Trial Trove) and through structured searches in MEDLINE and Embase (both via the Embase website) and were limited to articles in English published from 2010 onward. These were supplemented by keyword-based searches in PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar and bibliographic searches. Studies assessing DTx in neuroscience (including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders) were included. Details related to the publication, DTx, comparator, patient population, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS Our search criteria identified 461 neuroscience studies involving 213 unique DTx. Most DTx were extended reality based (86/213, 40.4%) or mobile device based (56/213, 26.3%); 313 were comparative, of which 68 (21.7%) used shams. The most common therapeutic areas assessed in these studies were stroke (42/213, 19.7%), depression (32/213, 15%), and anxiety (24/213, 11.3%). The most common treatments were cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioral therapy (67/213, 32.4%), physical rehabilitation (60/213, 28.2%), and cognitive training (41/213, 19.2%). We identified the following important issues related to the use of digital shams in neuroscience: shams were not validated before use in studies, they varied widely in design (from being nearly identical to the DTx to using different software programs altogether), and the level of patient engagement or satisfaction with the sham and the impact of the sham on study outcomes were infrequently reported. CONCLUSIONS Digital shams are critical for the clinical development of DTx in neuroscience. Given the importance of sham controls in evaluating DTx efficacy, we provide recommendations on the key information that should be reported in a well-designed DTx trial and propose an algorithm to allow the correct interpretation of DTx study results. Sham-controlled studies should be routinely used in DTx trials-in early-phase studies-to help identify DTx active components and-in late-phase studies-to confirm the efficacy of DTx. The use of shams early in development will ensure that the appropriate sham control is used in later confirmatory trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Bos
- F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Gavneet Kaur
- Bridge Medical Consulting Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pooja Malhotra
- Bridge Medical Consulting Limited, London, United Kingdom
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Dreesmann NJ, Buchanan D, Tang HYJ, Furness Iii T, Thompson H. Virtual Reality Meditation for Fatigue in Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mixed Methods Pilot Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e46209. [PMID: 37847542 PMCID: PMC10618887 DOI: 10.2196/46209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective symptom management is crucial to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with chronic diseases. Health care has changed markedly over the past decade as immersive, stand-alone, and wearable technologies including virtual reality have become available. One chronic pain population that could benefit from such an intervention is individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent pharmacologic advances in the management of RA have led to a decrease in inflammatory symptoms (eg, chronic pain) or even disease remission, yet up to 70% of patients with RA still suffer from fatigue. While VR-delivered behavior, meditation, and biofeedback programs show promise for pain and anxiety management, there is little information on the use of virtual reality meditation (VRM) for fatigue management among individuals with RA. OBJECTIVE This study aims to (1) examine the feasibility of implementing a study protocol that uses VRM, (2) determine the acceptability of using VRM for fatigue management in an outpatient population, and (3) identify barriers and contextual factors that might impact VRM use for fatigue management in outpatients with RA. METHODS We used a convergent, mixed methods design and enrolled adults aged 18 years or older with a clinical diagnosis of RA. Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS) measures of fatigue, depression, anxiety, pain behavior, and physical function were assessed alongside the brief mood introspection scale at baseline and weekly for 4 weeks. VRM use across the 4-week study period was automatically stored on headsets and later extracted for analysis. Semistructured interview questions focused on feedback regarding the participant's experience with RA, previous experience of fatigue, strategies participants use for fatigue management, and the participant's experience using VRM and recommendations for future use. RESULTS A total of 13 participants completed this study. Most participants completed all study surveys and measures (11/13, 84% and 13/13, 100%, respectively) and were active participants in interviews at the beginning and end of the program. Participants used VRM an average of 8.9 (SD 8.5) times over the course of the 4-week program. Most participants enjoyed VRM, found it relaxing, or recommended its use (12/13, 92%), but 8 (62%) noted barriers and conceptual factors that impacted VRM use. On average, participants saw decreases in PROMIS fatigue (-6.4, SD 5.1), depression (-5.6, SD 5.7), anxiety (-4.5, SD 6), and pain behavior (-3.9, SD 5.3), and improvements in PROMIS physical function (1.5, SD 2.7) and Brief Mood Introspection Scale mood (5.3, SD 6.7) over the course of this 4-week study. CONCLUSIONS While this study's implementation was feasible, VRM's acceptability as an adjunctive modality for symptom management in RA is contingent on effectively overcoming barriers to use and thoughtfully addressing the contextual factors of those with RA to ensure successful intervention deployment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04804462; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04804462.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Dreesmann
- Virtual Therapeutics, Kirkland, WA, United States
- School of Nursing, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Diana Buchanan
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hsin-Yi Jean Tang
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thomas Furness Iii
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hilaire Thompson
- Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Dy M, Olazo K, Lyles CR, Lisker S, Weinberg J, Lee C, Tarver ME, Saha A, Kontson K, Araojo R, Brown E, Sarkar U. Usability and acceptability of virtual reality for chronic pain management among diverse patients in a safety-net setting: a qualitative analysis. JAMIA Open 2023; 6:ooad050. [PMID: 37449058 PMCID: PMC10336187 DOI: 10.1093/jamiaopen/ooad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to understand the usability and acceptability of virtual reality (VR) among a racially and ethnically diverse group of patients who experience chronic pain. Materials and Methods Using the Technology Acceptance Model theory, we conducted semistructured interviews and direct observation of VR use with English-speaking patients who experience chronic pain treated in a public healthcare system (n = 15), using a commercially available VR technology platform. Interviews included questions about current pain management strategies, technology use, experiences and opinions with VR, and motivators for future use. Results Before the study, none of the 15 participants had heard about or used VR for pain management. Common motivators for VR use included a previous history of substance use and having exhausted many other options to manage their pain and curiosity. Most participants had a positive experience with VR and 47% found that the VR modules distracted them from their pain. When attempting the navigation-based usability tasks, most participants (73%-92%) were able to complete them independently. Discussion VR is a usable tool for diverse patients with chronic pain. Our findings suggest that the usability of VR is not a barrier and perhaps a focus on improving the accessibility of VR in safety-net settings is needed to reduce disparities in health technology use. Conclusions The usability and acceptability of VR are rarely studied in diverse patient populations. We found that participants had a positive experience using VR, showed interest in future use, and would recommend VR to family and friends.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Courtney R Lyles
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Center for Vulnerable Populations, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sarah Lisker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Center for Vulnerable Populations, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jessica Weinberg
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, White Oak, Maryland, USA
| | - Christine Lee
- Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, White Oak, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle E Tarver
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, White Oak, Maryland, USA
| | - Anindita Saha
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, White Oak, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly Kontson
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, White Oak, Maryland, USA
| | - Richardae Araojo
- Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, White Oak, Maryland, USA
| | - Ellenor Brown
- Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, White Oak, Maryland, USA
| | - Urmimala Sarkar
- Corresponding Author: Urmimala Sarkar, MD, MPH, Division of General Internal Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, UCSF Box 1364, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
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Fougère M, Greco-Vuilloud J, Arnous C, Abel F, Lowe C, Elie V, Marchand S. Sensory stimulations potentializing digital therapeutics pain control. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1168377. [PMID: 37745799 PMCID: PMC10511651 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1168377] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
For the past two decades, using Digital Therapeutics (DTx) to counter painful symptoms has emerged as a novel pain relief strategy. Several studies report that DTx significantly diminish pain while compensating for the limitations of pharmacological analgesics (e.g., addiction, side effects). Virtual reality (VR) is a major component of the most effective DTx for pain reduction. Notably, various stimuli (e.g., auditory, visual) appear to be frequently associated with VR in DTx. This review aims to compare the hypoalgesic power of specific stimuli with or without a VR environment. First, this review will briefly describe VR technology and known elements related to its hypoalgesic effect. Second, it will non-exhaustively list various stimuli known to have a hypoalgesic effect on pain independent of the immersive environment. Finally, this review will focus on studies that investigate a possible potentialized effect on pain reduction of these stimuli in a VR environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Serge Marchand
- Lucine, Bordeaux, France
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Centre de Recherche Clinique du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Morris NA, Wang Y, Felix RB, Rao A, Arnold S, Khalid M, Armahizer MJ, Murthi SB, Colloca L. Adjunctive virtual reality pain relief after traumatic injury: a proof-of-concept within-person randomized trial. Pain 2023; 164:2122-2129. [PMID: 37079851 PMCID: PMC10440261 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002914] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In this study, we hypothesized that immersive virtual reality (VR) environments may reduce pain in patients with acute traumatic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. We performed a randomized within-subject study in patients hospitalized with acute traumatic injuries, including traumatic brain injury with moderate pain (numeric pain score ≥3 of 10). We compared 3 conditions: (1) an immersive VR environment (VR Blu), (2) a content control with the identical environment delivered through nonimmersive tablet computer (Tablet Blu), and (3) a second control composed of donning VR headgear without content to control for placebo effects and sensory deprivation (VR Blank). We enrolled 60 patients, and 48 patients completed all 3 conditions. Objective and subjective data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Controlling for demographics, baseline pain, and injury severity, we found differences by conditions in relieving pain (F 2,75.43 = 3.32, P = 0.042). VR Blu pain reduction was greater than Tablet Blu (-0.92 vs -0.16, P = 0.043), but VR Blu pain reduction was similar to VR Blank (-0.92 vs -1.24, P = 0.241). VR Blu was perceived as most effective by patients for pain reduction (F 2,66.84 = 16.28, P < 0.001), and changes in measures of parasympathetic activity including heart rate variability (F 2,55.511 = 7.87, P < 0.001) and pupillary maximum constriction velocity (F 2,61.41 = 3.50, 1-tailed P = 0.038) echoed these effects. There were no effects on opioid usage. These findings outlined a potential clinical benefit for mollifying pain related to traumatic injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Morris
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Program in Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ryan B Felix
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Program in Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aniruddha Rao
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
| | - Shannon Arnold
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Program in Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mazhar Khalid
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Sarah B Murthi
- Program in Trauma, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Baltimore, MD
- Departments of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
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Bilika P, Karampatsou N, Stavrakakis G, Paliouras A, Theodorakis Y, Strimpakos N, Kapreli E. Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Therapy for Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2412. [PMID: 37685446 PMCID: PMC10487144 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11172412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to identify interventions utilizing virtual-reality-based exercise therapy in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Searches were conducted in four databases using descriptors related to virtual reality, exercise, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Two reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the studies to assess eligibility, with a third author resolving any discrepancies. Data were extracted and summarized in a narrative format by three independent raters. Clinical trials were evaluated using the PEDro scale to assess the effectiveness of virtual-reality-based exercise therapy in chronic musculoskeletal pain patients. A total of 162 articles were identified from the databases. After applying the inclusion criteria, nine articles were considered suitable for analysis, including six randomized clinical trials. The selected articles were categorized based on study characteristics, virtual-reality-based exercise therapy interventions (including technologies and equipment used), exercise interventions, outcome measures, and effectiveness. The findings indicate that virtual-reality-based exercise therapy shows promising results in reducing pain, improving disability, enhancing range of motion, and increasing treatment satisfaction in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, it is not possible to conclude that virtual-reality-based exercise therapy is superior to other treatments due to the limited number of available studies, heterogeneity in application protocols, and varying methodological quality. Further research is needed to draw more definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Bilika
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
| | - Natalia Karampatsou
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
| | - Giorgos Stavrakakis
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
| | - Achilleas Paliouras
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
| | - Yannis Theodorakis
- Exercise Psychology & Quality of Life Research Laboratory, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Strimpakos
- Health Assessment and Quality of Life Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, Honorary Research Associate, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Eleni Kapreli
- Clinical Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 35100 Lamia, Greece (G.S.); (A.P.); (E.K.)
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Chen Q, Wang Z, Zhang S. Mechanism, application and effect evaluation of nerve mobilization in the treatment of low back pain: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34961. [PMID: 37653794 PMCID: PMC10470699 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lower back pain is a prevalent condition affecting people across all age groups and causing significant personal and societal burdens. While numerous treatments exist, nerve mobilization has emerged as a promising approach for managing lower back pain. Nerve mobilization involves applying gentle and rhythmic movements to the affected nerves, promoting normal nerve function and releasing tension. It has been well documented that nerve mobilization can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with lower back pain, but the underlying mechanisms have not been clarified. This study aims to review the mechanisms of nerve mobilization in the management of lower back pain, its application, and effectiveness evaluation, and provide a potential solution for managing lower back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanzheng Chen
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhenshan Wang
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Shuna Zhang
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
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MacIntyre E, Sigerseth M, Larsen TF, Fersum KV, Meulders M, Meulders A, Michiels B, Braithwaite FA, Stanton TR. Get Your Head in the Game: A Replicated Single-Case Experimental Design Evaluating the Effect of a Novel Virtual Reality Intervention in People With Chronic Low Back Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1449-1464. [PMID: 37030584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Contemporary treatment of CLBP is suboptimal, with small-moderate effect sizes and high relapse rates. Virtual reality (VR) is an increasingly accessible technology that can improve adherence to exercise programs through gamification. Using VR to facilitate exercise adherence and enjoyment may improve the clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a gamified VR graded activity intervention in people with CLBP, using commercially available and bespoke VR programs. A sequentially replicated, multiple-baseline, randomized AB single-case experimental design was undertaken in 10 people with CLBP. Outcomes were assessed daily and included pain intensity (primary) and pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, and anxiety/worry (secondary). The effect of the intervention on the primary outcome was evaluated using a multilevel-model, nonparametric randomization test. The VR graded activity intervention resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity (effect estimate = -1.0, standard error = .27, P < .0011) with 4 participants achieving ≥30% pain reduction (minimum important change). There was a significant effect of the intervention on pain catastrophizing but not pain-related fear or anxiety/worry measures. These findings provide preliminary support for a VR graded activity program to reduce pain in people with CLBP. PERSPECTIVE: This novel, VR graded activity intervention reduced pain intensity and catastrophizing in people with CLBP. The intervention also had high adherence and enjoyment. Given that this intervention involved 2 freely available VR programs, it can be easily translated into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin MacIntyre
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Maja Sigerseth
- Institute of Global Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Fiskeseth Larsen
- Department of Computer science, Electrical engineering and Mathematical sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway; Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjartan Vibe Fersum
- Institute of Global Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Michel Meulders
- Operations Research and Statistics Research Group, KU Leuven, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Meulders
- Experimental Health Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Health Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Tasha R Stanton
- IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Čeko M, Baeuerle T, Webster L, Wager TD, Lumley MA. The Effects of Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy on Clinical and Neuroimaging Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.24.23293109. [PMID: 37546872 PMCID: PMC10402228 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.24.23293109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain remains poorly managed. The integration of innovative immersive technologies (i.e., virtual reality (VR)) with recent neuroscience-based principles that position the brain as the key organ of chronic pain may provide a more effective pain treatment than traditional behavioral therapies. By targeting cognitive and affective processes that maintain pain and potentially directly changing neurobiological circuits associated with pain chronification and amplification, VR-based pain treatment has the potential for significant and long-lasting pain relief. We tested the effectiveness of a novel VR neuroscience-based therapy (VRNT) to improve pain-related outcomes in n = 31 participants with chronic back pain, evaluated against usual care (n = 30) in a 2-arm randomized clinical trial ( NCT04468074) . We also conducted pre- and post-treatment MRI to test whether VRNT affects brain networks previously linked to chronic pain and treatment effects. Compared to the control condition, VRNT led to significantly reduced pain intensity (g = 0.63) and pain interference (g = 0.84) at post-treatment vs. pre-treatment, with effects persisting at 2-week follow-up. The improvements were partially mediated by reduced kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing. Several secondary clinical outcomes were also improved, including disability, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue. In addition, VRNT was associated with modest increases in functional connectivity of the somatomotor and default mode networks and decreased white matter fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum adjacent to anterior cingula, relative to the control condition. This, VRNT showed preliminary efficacy in significantly reducing pain and improving overall functioning, possibly via changes in somatosensory and prefrontal brain networks.
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Darnall BD, Edwards KA, Courtney RE, Ziadni MS, Simons LE, Harrison LE. Innovative treatment formats, technologies, and clinician trainings that improve access to behavioral pain treatment for youth and adults. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1223172. [PMID: 37547824 PMCID: PMC10397413 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1223172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is prevalent across the life span and associated with significant individual and societal costs. Behavioral interventions are recommended as the gold-standard, evidence-based interventions for chronic pain, but barriers, such as lack of pain-trained clinicians, poor insurance coverage, and high treatment burden, limit patients' ability to access evidenced-based pain education and treatment resources. Recent advances in technology offer new opportunities to leverage innovative digital formats to overcome these barriers and dramatically increase access to high-quality, evidenced-based pain treatments for youth and adults. This scoping review highlights new advances. First, we describe system-level barriers to the broad dissemination of behavioral pain treatment. Next, we review several promising new pediatric and adult pain education and treatment technology innovations to improve access and scalability of evidence-based behavioral pain treatments. Current challenges and future research and clinical recommendations are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth D. Darnall
- Stanford Pain Relief Innovations Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Karlyn A. Edwards
- Stanford Pain Relief Innovations Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Rena E. Courtney
- Salem VA Health Care System, PREVAIL Center for Chronic Pain, Salem, VA, United States
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Maisa S. Ziadni
- Systems Neuroscience and Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Laura E. Simons
- Biobehavioral Pediatric Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Lauren E. Harrison
- Biobehavioral Pediatric Pain Lab, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Annaswamy TM, Cunniff K, Rizzo JR, Naeimi T, Kumbhare D, Batavia M. Methodological Issues Relevant to Blinding in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 102:636-644. [PMID: 36897811 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Blinding in research is important, and the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation poses special consideration owing to the patient populations and treatment methodologies used. Historically, blinding has been increasingly relevant to conducting good-quality research. The main reason to blind is to reduce bias. There are several strategies to blinding. At times, when blinding is not possible, alternatives to blinding include sham control and description of study and control groups. Illustrative examples of blinding used in physical medicine and rehabilitation research are described in this article, along with how to assess success and fidelity of blinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiru M Annaswamy
- From the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania (TMA); Spine Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas (KC); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine & Neurology, Grossman School of Medicine, and Departments of Mechanical & Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York City, New York (JRR); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, New York University, New York City, New York (TN); Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (DK); and Department of Physical Therapy, New York University Steinhardt, and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University Langone, New York City, New York (MB)
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Phan P, Mitragotri S, Zhao Z. Digital therapeutics in the clinic. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10536. [PMID: 37476062 PMCID: PMC10354777 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics are emerging as a new form of therapeutic interventions. Unlike conventional therapeutics, digital therapeutics deliver interventions directly to patients using an evidence-based, clinically evaluated software to treat, manage, or prevent diseases. Digital therapeutics manifest in diverse forms such as web-based applications, mobile applications on smart devices, virtual reality, and video games. As its own product category for FDA approval, digital therapeutics can function as stand-alone treatments or in combination with conventional therapeutics to improve adherence and/or efficacy. Here, we review the clinical landscape of digital therapeutics. We summarize FDA-approved products and their clinical use, overview >300 ongoing clinical trials, and discuss challenges for their clinical translation and strategies to overcome the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philana Phan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Zongmin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of PharmacyUniversity of Illinois ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
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An S, Ko J, Yu KS, Kwon H, Kim S, Hong J, Kong HJ. Exploring the Category and Use Cases on Digital Therapeutic Methodologies. Healthc Inform Res 2023; 29:190-198. [PMID: 37591674 PMCID: PMC10440199 DOI: 10.4258/hir.2023.29.3.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As the Fourth Industrial Revolution advances, there is a growing interest in digital technology. In particular, the use of digital therapeutics (DTx) in healthcare is anticipated to reduce medical expenses. However, analytical research on DTx is still insufficient to fuel momentum for future DTx development. The purpose of this article is to analyze representative cases of different types of DTx from around the world and to propose a classification system. METHODS In this exploratory study examining DTx interaction types and representative cases, we conducted a literature review and selected seven interaction types that were utilized in a large number of cases. Then, we evaluated the specific characteristics of each DTx mechanism by reviewing the relevant literature, analyzing their indications and treatment components. A representative case for each mechanism was provided. RESULTS Cognitive behavioral therapy, distraction therapy, graded exposure therapy, reminiscence therapy, art therapy, therapeutic exercise, and gamification are the seven categories of DTx interaction types. Illustrative examples of each variety are provided. CONCLUSIONS Efforts from both the government and private sector are crucial for success, as standardization can decrease both the expense and the time required for government-led DTx development. The private sector should partner with medical facilities to stimulate potential demand, carry out clinical research, and produce scholarly evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunhee An
- Department of Transdisciplinary Medicine, Institute of Convergence Medicine with Innovative Technology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program of Medical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jieun Ko
- Department of Transdisciplinary Medicine, Institute of Convergence Medicine with Innovative Technology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Kyung-Sang Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyuktae Kwon
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Sungwan Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jeeyoung Hong
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyoun-Joong Kong
- Department of Transdisciplinary Medicine, Institute of Convergence Medicine with Innovative Technology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
- Innovative Medical Technology Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
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Hernandez R, Wilund K, Solai K, Tamayo D, Fast D, Venkatesan P, Lash JP, Lora CM, Martinez L, Martin Alemañy G, Martinez A, Kwon S, Romero D, Browning MHEM, Moskowitz JT. Positive Psychological Intervention Delivered Using Virtual Reality in Patients on Hemodialysis With Comorbid Depression: Protocol and Design for the Joviality Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e45100. [PMID: 37327026 DOI: 10.2196/45100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is highly prevalent in individuals on hemodialysis, but it is infrequently identified and remains undertreated. In this paper, we present details of the methodology of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed at testing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 5-week positive psychological intervention in individuals on hemodialysis with comorbid depression delivered using immersive virtual reality (VR) technology. OBJECTIVE We aim to describe the protocol and design of the Joviality trial whose main objectives are 2-fold: determine the feasibility of the Joviality VR software through metrics capturing rates of recruitment, refusal, retention, noncompliance, and adherence, as well as end-user feedback; and assess preliminary efficacy for outcomes measures of depressive symptoms, psychological well-being and distress, quality of life, treatment adherence, clinical biomarkers, and all-cause hospitalizations. METHODS This 2-arm RCT is scheduled to enroll 84 individuals on hemodialysis with comorbid depression from multiple outpatient centers in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Enrollees will be randomized to the following groups: VR-based Joviality positive psychological intervention or sham VR (2D wildlife footage and nature-based settings with inert music presented using a head-mounted display). To be eligible, individuals must be on hemodialysis for at least 3 months, have Beck Depression Inventory-II scores of ≥11 (ie, indicative of mild-to-severe depressive symptoms), be aged ≥21 years, and be fluent in English or Spanish. The Joviality VR software was built using agile design principles and incorporates fully immersive content, digital avatars, and multiplex features of interactability. Targeted skills of the intervention include noticing positive events, positive reappraisal, gratitude, acts of kindness, and mindful or nonjudgmental awareness. The primary outcomes include metrics of feasibility and acceptability, along with preliminary efficacy focused on decreasing symptoms of depression. The secondary and tertiary outcomes include quality of life, treatment adherence, clinical biomarkers, and all-cause hospitalization rates. There are 4 assessment time points: baseline, immediately after the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, and 6 months after the intervention. We hypothesize that depressive symptoms and hemodialysis-related markers of disease will substantially improve in participants randomized to the VR-based Joviality positive psychology treatment arm compared with those in the attention control condition. RESULTS This RCT is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and is scheduled to commence participant recruitment in June 2023. CONCLUSIONS This trial will be the first to test custom-built VR software to deliver a positive psychological intervention, chairside, in individuals on hemodialysis to reduce symptoms of depression. Within the context of an RCT using an active control arm, if proven effective, VR technology may become a potent tool to deliver mental health programming in clinical populations during their outpatient treatment sessions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05642364; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05642364. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/45100.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Hernandez
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ken Wilund
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Killivalavan Solai
- Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - David Tamayo
- Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Drew Fast
- Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Prasakthi Venkatesan
- Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - James P Lash
- Division of Nephrology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Claudia M Lora
- Division of Nephrology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lizet Martinez
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Geovana Martin Alemañy
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Angela Martinez
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Soonhyung Kwon
- School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Dana Romero
- Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Judith T Moskowitz
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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Groenveld TD, Smits MLM, Knoop J, Kallewaard JW, Staal JB, de Vries M, van Goor H. Effect of a Behavioral Therapy-Based Virtual Reality Application on Quality of Life in Chronic Low Back Pain. Clin J Pain 2023; 39:278-285. [PMID: 37002877 PMCID: PMC10205123 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability with a large impact on quality of life and resistance to a broad array of current treatments. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a novel self-administered behavioral therapy-based virtual reality (VR) application on the quality of life of patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in adults with nonspecific CLBP with moderate to severe pain, waiting for treatment in a teaching hospital-based pain clinic. The intervention group used a self-administered behavioral therapy-based VR application for at least 10 minutes daily for 4 weeks. The control group received standard care. The primary outcome was quality of life at 4 weeks measured by the short form-12 physical and mental scores. Secondary outcomes were daily worst and least pain, pain coping strategies, activities of daily living, positive health, anxiety, and depression. Discontinuation of therapy and adverse events were analyzed as well. RESULTS Forty-one patients were included. One patient withdrew due to personal reasons. No significant treatment effect was found for the short form-12 physical score (mean difference: 2.6 points; 95% CI: -5.60 to 0.48) and mental score (-1.75; -6.04 to 2.53) at 4 weeks. There was a significant treatment effect for daily "worst pain score" ( F [1, 91.425] = 33.3, P < 0.001) and "least pain score" ( F [1, 30.069] = 11.5, P = 0.002). Three patients reported mild and temporary dizziness. DISCUSSION Four weeks of self-administered VR for CLBP does not improve quality of life, however, it may positively affect daily pain experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjitske D Groenveld
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences
| | - Merlijn L M Smits
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences
- PBLQ, The Hague
| | - Jesper Knoop
- Hogeschool Arnhem en Nijmegen University of Applied Science, Research Group Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Nijmegen
| | | | - J Bart Staal
- Hogeschool Arnhem en Nijmegen University of Applied Science, Research Group Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Nijmegen
| | - Marjan de Vries
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences
| | - Harry van Goor
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences
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Rohaj A, Bulaj G. Digital Therapeutics (DTx) Expand Multimodal Treatment Options for Chronic Low Back Pain: The Nexus of Precision Medicine, Patient Education, and Public Health. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101469. [PMID: 37239755 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics (DTx, software as a medical device) provide personalized treatments for chronic diseases and expand precision medicine beyond pharmacogenomics-based pharmacotherapies. In this perspective article, we describe how DTx for chronic low back pain (CLBP) can be integrated with pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, opioids), physical therapy (PT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and patient empowerment. An example of an FDA-authorized DTx for CLBP is RelieVRx, a prescription virtual reality (VR) app that reduces pain severity as an adjunct treatment for moderate to severe low back pain. RelieVRx is an immersive VR system that delivers at-home pain management modalities, including relaxation, self-awareness, pain distraction, guided breathing, and patient education. The mechanism of action of DTx is aligned with recommendations from the American College of Physicians to use non-pharmacological modalities as the first-line therapy for CLBP. Herein, we discuss how DTx can provide multimodal therapy options integrating conventional treatments with exposome-responsive, just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAI). Given the flexibility of software-based therapies to accommodate diverse digital content, we also suggest that music-induced analgesia can increase the clinical effectiveness of digital interventions for chronic pain. DTx offers opportunities to simultaneously address the chronic pain crisis and opioid epidemic while supporting patients and healthcare providers to improve therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarushi Rohaj
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Cargnin ZA, Schneider DG, Rosa-Junior JN. Digital self-care in the management of spine musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2023; 31:e3908. [PMID: 37194893 PMCID: PMC10202228 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.6423.3908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
to analyze the effectiveness of digital self-care in the management of pain and functional disability among people with spine musculoskeletal disorders. a systematic literature review, developed with the PRISMA checklist, of randomized clinical trials of people with spine musculoskeletal disorders and digital interventions accessed by means of computers, smartphones or other portable devices. Databases researched: National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Médica dataBASE, SciVerse Scopus, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Science Citation Indexes, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. The descriptive synthesis of the results and by means of meta-analyses (fixed-effects model) was performed with the Review Manager software. The methodological quality was evaluated with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. a total of 25 trials were selected (5,142 participants), which showed statistically significant improvements (p <0.05) in 54% (12/22) in the pain levels and 47% (10/21) in functional disability in the Intervention Group. The meta-analyses showed moderate effects on pain intensity and small effects on functional disability. There was a predominance of medium quality studies. the digital care interventions showed a beneficial result in pain intensity and in functional disability, mainly for chronic low back pain. Digital care emerges as promising to support self-management of the spine musculoskeletal conditions. PROSPERO registry number CRD42021282102.
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Loetscher T, Barrett AM, Billinghurst M, Lange B. Immersive medical virtual reality: still a novelty or already a necessity? J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023:jnnp-2022-330207. [PMID: 37055062 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-330207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Loetscher
- Cognitive Ageing and Impairment Neurosciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - A M Barrett
- UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Billinghurst
- Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Empathic Computing Laboratory, The University of Auckland, Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Belinda Lange
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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