Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Virtual Reality and Cranial Nerve Neuromodulation to Manage Chronic Pain

This study is exploring new ways to help Canadian veterans who experience persistent pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many veterans face these conditions, which significantly impact their daily lives. The research focuses on two main approaches: virtual reality (VR) and a new technique called Cranial Nerve Non-Invasive Neuromodulation (CN-NINM). VR is already used to help veterans with pain and PTSD, often by providing a calming experience. CN-NINM involves gentle electrical stimulation to the tongue, which then sends signals to the brain to help rebalance the body's natural systems. The study wants to find out if combining VR with this tongue stimulation can offer a more effective and lasting way to reduce pain and improve well-being for veterans, compared to just using VR.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Université de Sherbrooke

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Chronic Pain PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

What is this study about?

For many Canadian military veterans, chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are serious challenges. These conditions can make everyday life very difficult and affect their overall well-being. Researchers believe that a part of our body's control system, called the autonomic nervous system, plays a key role in both chronic pain and PTSD. This system controls things we don't consciously think about, like our heart rate and breathing, and it can become out of balance in these conditions. Finding ways to help this system get back on track could be very beneficial.

This study is looking at two promising methods to help veterans. One is virtual reality (VR), which is already used to help calm people and reduce both pain and PTSD symptoms. There are different types of VR, but this study focuses on a calming type that helps settle the body's stress response. While VR can certainly help, its effects on pain are sometimes only temporary. To make these benefits last longer and be even stronger, the study is combining VR with a new approach.

The second method is called Cranial Nerve Non-Invasive Neuromodulation (CN-NINM). This is an innovative technique that involves placing a small device on the tongue. This device then sends gentle electrical signals that travel to specific areas in the brain linked to pain and the autonomic nervous system. The researchers hope that by using VR to create a calming environment and then adding this gentle tongue stimulation, they can get a more powerful and longer-lasting effect on both pain and the body's overall balance for veterans with chronic pain and PTSD.

Key takeaways

This study explores new treatments for chronic pain and PTSD in Canadian veterans.
It combines virtual reality (VR) with a new tongue stimulation technique (CN-NINM).
The goal is to reduce pain and improve overall well-being by rebalancing the body's systems.
Participation involves short treatment sessions and assessments.
You must be a Canadian veteran aged 30+, with chronic pain and PTSD to be eligible.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for Canadian military veterans who are at least 30 years old. To be considered, you must have been officially diagnosed with long-lasting muscle or joint pain (meaning pain that has lasted for more than 6 months). You also need to have a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from a healthcare professional, or a specific score on a PTSD questionnaire (PCL-5 score over 30 out of 80).

You will need to be able to speak either English or French to take part in the study. Your medical history will also be reviewed to make sure the treatment is safe for you.

There are certain health conditions that would prevent you from joining. These include if you have bipolar disorder, psychosis, or nerve pain. Also, if you have severe issues with your vision, epilepsy, or often get motion sickness, you won't be able to participate. Any existing conditions that would make the tongue stimulation unsafe would also exclude you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a Canadian military veteran?
Are you 30 years old or older?
Have you had ongoing musculoskeletal pain for more than 6 months?
Have you been diagnosed with PTSD by a health professional?
Are you able to speak English or French?
Do you have any conditions like epilepsy or severe visual problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to participate in this study, you would undergo a series of assessments before and after receiving the interventions. The interventions themselves, which could be virtual reality (VR) alone, the tongue stimulation (CN-NINM) alone, or a combination of VR and CN-NINM, will each last for approximately 20 minutes. You would experience each of these interventions in a specific order over the course of the study. Researchers will measure your pain levels and how your body's control system (autonomic nervous system) responds both before and after each 20-minute session. The study does not specify a duration for the entire program, but it involves short intervention periods and assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research always has potential benefits and risks. You might find that the virtual reality or the tongue stimulation helps improve your chronic pain or PTSD symptoms, potentially providing relief that you haven't found with other treatments. These treatments are generally considered safe, but there's a small chance of mild side effects, such as temporary discomfort from the tongue stimulation or motion sickness from VR. However, the study aims to use a calming type of VR which is generally well-tolerated. Remember, you can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement (CdRV)
Verified postcode
Sherbrooke, Canada

Common questions

What is 'chronic pain'?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for a long time, usually more than 6 months, and can affect your daily life.

What is 'PTSD'?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

What is 'virtual reality'?

Virtual reality (VR) uses special headsets to create immersive, computer-generated environments that you can explore and interact with.

How does 'cranial nerve non-invasive neuromodulation' work?

It involves a small device placed on your tongue that sends gentle electrical pulses. These pulses travel to your brain, helping to rebalance certain systems.

Will I know which treatment I'm receiving?

This study is likely 'blinded,' meaning you might not know if you're receiving the active tongue stimulation or a 'dummy' (placebo) version to ensure fair results. The researchers will explain this.

How to find out more

Guillaume Léonard, PhD

guillaume.leonard2@usherbrooke.ca 819-821-8000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.