Using Immersive Virtual Reality to Treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Adults

Exploring the Role of Immersive Virtual Reality in Managing Upper-limb Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Adults

This study is designed to test if the use of virtual reality (VR) can improve chronic pain related to CRPS. One way is to use virtual reality. Virtual reality involves looking into a set of goggles and interacting with a computer-simulated world. The use of VR has been shown to be an effective treatment for other pain conditions (Hoffman et al., 2019) and is inexpensive and noninvasive.

Participants will "go into" simple fun pain distracting virtual reality worlds (no previous video game experience needed) that encourages physical movement of the injured limb (e.g., their injured hand). They will also learn some simple daily 10 minute stress reduction, mood lifting mindfulness skills in VR and will receive audio instructions to focus their attention on the sights and sounds, and controlled breathing (Flores et al., 2019).

Inclusion Criteria

• adults (18+)
• confirmed diagnosis of either CRPS I or CRPS II of one or both upper limbs (as defined by the Budapest Criteria)
• average pain score in the affected CRPS limb(s) greater than or equal to 3 out of 10
• on a stable treatment plan for 4 weeks prior to the VR intervention phase
• ability to wear a VR head-mounted display
• ability to speak and read English
• ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• personal history of severe motion sickness
• severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life (ASA class IV+)
• prisoners.