Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Virtual Reality-Assisted Hypnotherapy Program on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: a Multicenter, Randomized, Prospective, Comparative, Open-Label, Parallel-Group Study

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Virtual Reality-Assisted Hypnotherapy Program on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: a Multicenter, Randomized, Prospective, Comparative, Open-Label, Parallel-Group Study

This randomized, prospective study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of a Virtual Reality (VR)-assisted hypnotherapy program on quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain. The study compares a VR-assisted hypnotherapy group to a standard treatment group. Both groups will undergo a conventional physical therapy program supervised by physiotherapists for 3 weeks (15 sessions). The VR-assisted hypnotherapy group will receive additional sessions utilizing the HypnoVR software, which delivers relaxing virtual environments. Outcomes will be assessed immediately after treatment, at 1 month, and at 3 months post-treatment. Primary endpoints include pain reduction measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary endpoints include functionality, quality of life, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, healthcare costs, and treatment adherence. Statistical analyses will determine the efficacy and economic impact of this innovative therapy for chronic neck pain management.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 50 and 80 years.
• Chronic neck pain lasting for more than 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of spinal surgery.
• Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score >16.
• Presence of neurological deficits or concurrent neurological diseases.
• Medical conditions incompatible with the use of VR headsets (e.g., vision problems, epilepsy).
• Pregnancy.
• Recent changes in medication for chronic pain within the past 3 months (e.g.,- Pregabalin, Gabapentin, Duloxetine).