Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jul 26, 2024
Date Accepted: Jun 30, 2025
Simulation through virtual reality for the management of anxiety and neuropathic pain. Protocol for a randomized clinical study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Neuropathic pain is a complex chronic pain condition often accompanied by affective symptoms such as anxiety and depression. This comorbidity is associated with increased pain severity, disability, and diminished quality of life, complicating treatment. Virtual Reality (VR) is an innovative non-pharmacological intervention gaining attention for its potential to alleviate pain and anxiety through immersive distraction.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy of VR in reducing pain and anxiety in patients with persistent neuropathic pain.
Methods:
This randomized, controlled, multicenter, open-label trial involves two groups: an intervention group receiving VR sessions and a control group receiving standard pharmacological treatment. Participants are adults aged 30-61 years diagnosed with neuropathic pain, unresponsive to flexible doses of gabapentin. Pain and anxiety levels are assessed using the Pain Detect Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Goldberg Anxiety Scale at baseline and follow-up points. VR sessions are conducted weekly for three weeks, each lasting 30-35 minutes. Perceived time during VR sessions is recorded as an indirect measure of distraction effectiveness.
Results:
The primary outcome is the reduction in pain intensity and anxiety levels post-intervention compared to baseline. A sample size of 30 patients (15 per group) was calculated to achieve 80% statistical power, considering a 2-point mean difference in VAS scores.
Conclusions:
This study hypothesizes that VR will significantly reduce pain and anxiety in patients with persistent neuropathic pain. By providing new insights into non-pharmacological pain management strategies, this research aims to enhance the quality of life for these patients. The findings could support the broader application of VR in clinical pain management. Clinical Trial: approval code: ID.2017/167
Citation
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