None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Management of chronic low back pain is challenging, and current best evidence recommends incorporating physiotherapeutic exercise training. Despite this, physical exercise can lead to flare up in pain immediately following exercise and over the subsequent days in individuals with chronic pain. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel emerging technology that is increasingly being used in pain rehabilitation with demonstrated effectiveness in decreasing pain. One application of VR that has received relatively little attention to date in the management of chronic pain is virtual reality mindfulness/meditation (VRM). VRM offers a novel approach to addressing chronic pain as it can create a calming and relaxing setting that facilitates practicing mindfulness skills, with demonstrated effects. This study investigates if VRM has a positive effect on reducing exacerbation of pain following exercise among individuals with chronic low back pain. We hypothesise that the VRM intervention will reduce immediate and laten pain levels compared to controls undertaking usual post-exercise management as well as the VRM is tolerated with minimal side effects and is feasible and acceptable.
Interventions
The intervention will take place immediately following completion of the routinely physical exercise class. The routinely physical exercise class is part of a conservative management for patients referred for surgical considerations of their low back pain. The exercise class is conducted in a gym setting with up to 8 individuals. Attendees are provided with an individualised program that may include a combination of strength, mobility, movement control, and/or cardiovascular fitness. Individuals
The intervention will take place immediately following completion of the routinely physical exercise class. The routinely physical exercise class is part of a conservative management for patients referred for surgical considerations of their low back pain. The exercise class is conducted in a gym setting with up to 8 individuals. Attendees are provided with an individualised program that may include a combination of strength, mobility, movement control, and/or cardiovascular fitness. Individuals are generally referred to once weekly sessions for six weeks, with each session lasting 45-60 minutes. For the intervention, participants undertaking virtual reality mindfulness (VRM) will be familiarized with the virtual reality headset, before undertaking a single, 10-15-minute mindfulness/meditation intervention. We will use the Guided Meditation VR (Meta) as the virtual reality software application. The use of virtual reality headset and chosen software application allows for an immersive setting in a calm and naturalistic environment with an oral guided mindfulness session. As part of the intervention, individuals will be guided through a series of mindfulness/meditation exercises, including breathing exercisers, body scans, and acceptance of emotions and thoughts. The participants will be asked to follow the guided mindfulness instructions. Participants can elect to complete the VRM in either a seated or supine position. The intervention will consist of a single session following their routinely physical exercise class. The intervention will be administered by a qualified member of the research staff. Adherence will be monitored by direct supervision by the administering research staff.
Sponsors
University of Queensland
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Treatment
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Individuals will be eligible if they have had low back pain for a minimum of 3 months, access to a mobile phone for SMS, a minimum of 3 on an 11-point numeric scale, at least moderate chronic low back pain related disability, and currently part of clinic-based physiotherapy exercise program for their chronic low back pain.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria for the participants includes severe vertigo, severe susceptibility to motion sickness, current use of VRM, visually impaired to the degree they can’t use the VRM as intended, pregnancy, back pain of a non-musculoskeletal cause, severe neurological deficit, or symptoms (e.g., cauda equina syndrome, myelopathy, or evidence of nerve root compromise), use of medical analgesics, or insufficient understanding of English and inability to follow directions and instructions.
Outcome results
None listed