The effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) for management of pain

I. Scientific excellence

Virtual Reality (VR) has been in use for relief of acute pain in burns, dentistry, wound debridement and post-operative pain for around 20 years. A key mechanism is distraction facilitated by immersion in the virtual environment. More recent studies have begun to explore the use of VR in the management of chronic pain. This is more challenging because of the complex interplay of biological, physical, emotional and social mechanisms. Within self-management of chronic pain, distraction is recommended to help manage pain and flare-ups of pain. There is emerging evidence that VR methods may help reduce pain in the short term for people with chronic pain.

The project plan will give clear direction to the student while allowing appropriate space for the student to develop their own ideas to facilitate ownership of the project.

II. Clear aim and hypothesis

Between different VR applications, there will be a difference in short-term reduction of chronic pain.
How can short-term pain relief using VR be incorporated into self-management?

III. Methodology and innovations

Stage 1. A systematic review of VR for pain to guide selection of the VR intervention(s) for Stage 2.

Stage 2. A randomised controlled trial, with baseline and follow-up pain and function measures, of the effectiveness of selected portable VR applications on short-term reduction of pain for people with chronic pain. The study will take place in the university. The student will, with supervision, select a control/comparison condition and determine the number of treatment arms and select outcome measures.

Stage 3. A feasibility study will investigate how the “best” VR application from above could be applied at home within a self-management package. Participants (n=10-15) will be given access to the VR to use at home for a number of weeks. In user-workshops and/or focus groups and interviews, held before and after the period of use of the VR, they will explore their experiences and expectations. The conclusions will provide insight into optimal ways of including VR for use at home as a self-management tool for chronic pain.

IV. Strategic relevance

The project links two major areas of strategic importance - digital health and self-management of long term conditions, of which chronic pain is one of the most prevalent and costly in human and economic terms. The project is of strategic relevance to our work in the Centre for Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, with close links with our involvement in the EU Interreg Virtual Reality for Health WEBSITE. project.

V. Interdisciplinarity and fit with relevant DTA programme

Chronic pain is a common in all age groups and particularly disabling in older people. The project brings together expertise in rehabilitation and digital health.

Applications

Applicants must apply using the online form on the University Alliance website at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/how-to-apply/. Full details of the programme, eligibility details and a list of available research projects can be seen at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/

The final deadline for application is Monday 8 October 2018. There will be another opportunity to apply for DTA3 projects in the spring of 2019. The list of available projects is likely to change for the second intake.