Abstract
Objective: To assess the feasibility and efficacy of virtual reality (VR) as an intervention for chronic pain due to MS.
Background: VR technology is emerging as a platform for clinical interventions. VR uses a head mounted display that enables users to be immersed in controlled 360° virtual environments. The psychological immersion of the VR environment has been found to be effective in relieving acute pain. Here, we evaluated whether repeated immersive VR sessions could reduce the MS symptom of chronic pain.
Design/Methods: The intervention consisted of 8 x 35-minute immersive VR sessions over the course of four weeks. Acute change in pain was measured before and after each VR session using a visual analog (VAS). Response to the intervention was measured with change in PROMIS pain scales administered at baseline and intervention end.
Results: Participants were n=8 MS patients (n=7 RRMS, n=1 SPMS; 88% female; Mean 50.00 ±11.02 years, EDSS<7.0) with chronic disease-related pain. Feasibility was met with 87.5% of participants completing at least 50% of all sessions. Participants rated the VR platform as a highly acceptable and appealing format for intervention. The individual VR sessions reduced acute pain (VAS mean reduction of −0.92± 1.38) and chronic pain from baseline to intervention end (PROMIS pain mean reduction of −0.29± 2.75). At intervention end, 7/7 (100%) participants reported that they would use VR again.
Conclusions: Repeated sessions of immersive VR experiences are tolerable and feasible for individuals with MS, and may provide a non-pharmacological tool for chronic pain management.
Disclosure: Martin Malik has nothing to disclose. Mr. Shaw has nothing to disclose. Ms. Palmeri has nothing to disclose. Dr. Charvet has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Johnson & Johnson. An immediate family member of Dr. Charvet has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Springer Healthcare. The institution of Dr. Charvet has received research support from Biogen Idec.
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