Visual Feedback Manipulation in Virtual Reality Alters Extension-evoked Pain Perception in Chronic LBP

NCT ID: NCT06750900

Last Updated: 2025-02-11

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Total Enrollment: 50 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-12-04
• Study Completion Date: 2025-01-07

Brief Summary

This study investigates the potential to modify movement-evoked pain in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP) by manipulating visual proprioceptive feedback through virtual reality (VR). Fifty patients with non-specific chronic LBP are planned to participate. Participants perform lumbar spine extension until pain onset under three conditions: accurate visual feedback (control), feedback showing 10% less movement (E-), and feedback showing 10% more movement (E+). Lumbar range of motion (ROM) is measured using a 3-space Fastrack motion analysis system. The study also explores whether individuals with higher pain levels, kinesiophobia, disability, or catastrophising are more susceptible to VR feedback manipulation. Pain thresholds, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, disability, and catastrophising levels are assessed.

Detailed Description

This study explores the potential to influence movement-evoked pain in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP) by altering visual proprioceptive feedback using virtual reality (VR). The researchers aim to understand whether manipulating visual feedback can change pain perception and movement behavior. A total of 50 patients with non-specific chronic LBP are expected to participate.

Participants will perform lumbar spine extension movements until the point of pain onset under three experimental conditions: (1) without virtual reality (control); (2) underestimated movement feedback (E-), where the VR shows 10% less movement than performed; and (3) overestimated movement feedback (E+), where the VR depicts 10% more movement than performed. These manipulations aim to investigate how changes in perceived movement affect pain perception and range of motion.

The lumbar range of motion (ROM) is objectively measured using a 3-space Fastrack motion analysis system to ensure precise tracking of physical movements. Additionally, the study examines whether psychological factors, such as pain intensity, kinesiophobia (fear of movement), disability, and catastrophising (exaggerated negative mental set about pain), influence susceptibility to VR feedback manipulation.

To provide a comprehensive assessment, participants' pain thresholds, pain intensity levels, kinesiophobia, disability, and catastrophising tendencies are measured through validated tools. By combining physical and psychological evaluations, the study aims to identify potential subgroups of patients who might benefit most from VR-based interventions and shed light on the mechanisms through which visual feedback alters pain perception and movement behavior in chronic LB

Conditions

Chronic Low-back Pain (cLBP)

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: COHORT
• Study Time Perspective: CROSS_SECTIONAL

Study Groups

NORMAL CONDITION

The normal condition is measured as a lumbar extension without VR until the onset of pain.

NORMAL CONDITION

Intervention Type: OTHER

They perform 3 lumbar extensions until the onset of pain without virtual reality

UNDERSTATED CONDITION

It involves an illusion with virtual reality where the patients perform a lumbar extension until the onset of pain and the feel a 10% less movement in the VR (understated visual feedback)

UNDERSTATED CONDITION

Intervention Type: OTHER

They perform 3 lumbar extensions until the onset of pain using the virtual reality. In this condition, they feel that they are moving a 10%less than they are really moving.

OVERSTATED CONDITION

It involves an illusion with virtual reality where the patients perform a lumbar extension until the onset of pain and the feel a 10% more movement in the VR (understated visual feedback)

OVERSTATED CONDITION

Intervention Type: OTHER

They perform 3 lumbar extensions until the onset of pain using the virtual reality. In this condition, they feel that they are moving a 10% more than they are really moving.

Interventions

NORMAL CONDITION

They perform 3 lumbar extensions until the onset of pain without virtual reality

Intervention Type: OTHER

UNDERSTATED CONDITION

They perform 3 lumbar extensions until the onset of pain using the virtual reality. In this condition, they feel that they are moving a 10%less than they are really moving.

Intervention Type: OTHER

OVERSTATED CONDITION

They perform 3 lumbar extensions until the onset of pain using the virtual reality. In this condition, they feel that they are moving a 10% more than they are really moving.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Participants of both sexes.
• Aged between 18 and 65 years.
• Diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain (according to the European COST B13 guidelines).
• Presence of lumbar extension limitation.

Exclusion Criteria

• Diagnosis of a spinal tumor.
• Presence of a spinal infection or fracture.
• Diagnosed systemic diseases.
• Diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
• Presence of cauda equina syndrome.
• History of prior spinal surgery.
• Musculoskeletal injuries of the lower extremities (including: sciatica; radiating pain in the lower extremities; symptoms of numbness or weakness in the lower extremities)

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 65 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Cardenal Herrera University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Juan F. Lisón Párraga, Dr

Chair Profesor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Arnau de Vilanova Hospital

Valencia, , Spain

Countries

Spain

References

Harvie DS, Broecker M, Smith RT, Meulders A, Madden VJ, Moseley GL. Bogus visual feedback alters onset of movement-evoked pain in people with neck pain. Psychol Sci. 2015 Apr;26(4):385-92. doi: 10.1177/0956797614563339. Epub 2015 Feb 17.

Reference Type: RESULT

PMID: 25691362 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

PID2020-115609RB-C22

Identifier Type: OTHER_GRANT

Identifier Source: secondary_id

Cardenal Herrera University 67

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id