Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Neuroscience-based Therapy (VRNT) for Chronic Low Back Pain
Participants with chronic back pain will complete an online Qualtrics eligibility survey. After signing a consent form, eligible participants enter a two-week baseline period (Baseline Period), during which they complete two assessments of the Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures and Potential Mediators. After the baseline period, participants are randomized into a Virtual Reality group: VR Distraction-based Therapy or VR Skills-based Therapy, with a 1:1 allocation ratio of participants to each treatment. Both groups receive education on pain neuroscience and complete training on the use of the VR hardware and software. Next, both groups complete an intervention for 8 weeks (Treatment Period), after which they return the VR equipment. Several surveys are administered online during the Treatment Period. After the Treatment Period, both groups complete three post-treatment surveys at weeks 8, 20, and 32.
• Men and women aged 18 to 85.
• Self-reported diagnosis of chronic low back pain without radicular symptoms.
• Chronic low back pain duration of 6 months or more, and pain at least half the days in the last 6 months.
• Lower back pain as primary chronic pain complaint (greater than pain in other bodily regions).
• Average pain intensity of 4 or more out of 10 for the past week (from BPI-SF).
• English fluency (8th grade level).
• Willing to comply with study procedures/restrictions.
• Access to Wi-Fi.
• Implicit de facto internet and computer literacy.