Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Sensor-based Physiotherapy Intervention With Virtual Reality

This study is looking into a new way to help people who have knee pain due to osteoarthritis. It uses special virtual reality (VR) technology that you can use at home. Instead of regular exercises, you control an animated character on a screen using sensors, playing games that are actually physiotherapy exercises. The study compares this new VR approach with the usual physiotherapy care. It's a 'feasibility' study, meaning its main aim is to find out if this VR system is practical, easy to use at home, and if patients are happy to use it for a larger study in the future. The results will help understand if this could be a good treatment option.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Cardiff University

Enrolment target

Start

04 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Knee Osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

If you have knee pain from osteoarthritis, you might be interested in a new study looking at how a special type of virtual reality (VR) physiotherapy could help. Osteoarthritis is a common condition where the smooth cartilage at the ends of your bones wears down, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in your joints like the knee. Physiotherapy, which involves exercises to strengthen muscles and improve movement, is a common treatment.

This study is testing a new way to do these exercises using a non-immersive VR system. This means you won't wear a big headset, but instead, small, painless sensors will be attached to parts of your body, like your arms or legs. These sensors then let you control a character in a game on a laptop or TV screen. The games are actually carefully designed physiotherapy exercises. As you get better, the games become more challenging, just like when a physiotherapist adjusts your exercises. The idea is to make physiotherapy more engaging and easier to do at home.

This particular study is called a 'feasibility' study. This means it's not trying to prove if the VR system is definitely better than current treatments yet. Instead, it's trying to figure out if it's practical to use, if people are happy to try it, and if it's possible to run a bigger study on it in the future. They want to see how easy it is to find people for the study, if they complete the study, and if the VR system is acceptable to patients. Half the participants will get the VR exercises, and the other half will get standard home physiotherapy prescribed by a physiotherapist, so researchers can compare the two experiences.

Key takeaways

It's about finding new ways to do physiotherapy for knee osteoarthritis.
Compares home-based VR exercises to standard home physiotherapy.
This is a 'feasibility' study, testing if the VR system is practical and welcomed by patients.
Participation involves 12 weeks of treatment and follow-ups for a total of 24 weeks.
You might be asked to share your experience through an interview.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 45 or older who have ongoing knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. To be considered, your knee pain should be your main issue, not due to other conditions, and you should have been referred for physiotherapy for it. Your pain should have been present most days for at least three months, and on average, fairly noticeable.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had knee surgery in the last year, or if you've started other new treatments for your knee pain recently. You also shouldn't have any medical conditions that would make exercise unsafe, or if you're already receiving physiotherapy for your knee from another source. Finally, you need to be able to understand and speak English and be able to walk without a walking aid.

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 45 years old or older?
Do you have knee pain from osteoarthritis?
Has your knee pain been present most days for at least 3 months, with an average pain level of 4 or more out of 10?
Are you able to walk without a walking stick or frame?
Have you *not* had knee surgery or a new injection for knee pain in the last 12 weeks/months?
Are you willing and able to do exercises at home?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll first be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either the VR-based home physiotherapy or standard home physiotherapy. This is like flipping a coin to decide which group you're in. Whichever group you're in, you will follow that treatment plan for 12 weeks. If you're in the VR group, you'll attach sensors to your body and control a character through physiotherapy games on a screen, aiming to do this 3 times a week. You'll also have check-ins with a physiotherapist.

If you're in the standard physiotherapy group, you'll perform exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist at home and have regular follow-ups. After the 12 weeks of treatment, everyone will have follow-up assessments at 12 weeks and 24 weeks to see how they're doing. Some people in the VR group may also be invited for an interview to share their experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. You might benefit from closer monitoring of your knee pain or from trying a new, engaging way to do physiotherapy exercises. The exercises in both groups are carefully designed to be safe, but as with any physical activity, there's a small chance of muscle soreness or mild discomfort. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Cardiff University School of Healthcare Sciences
Verified postcode
Cardiff, United Kingdom
University Hospital of Wales
Verified postcode
Cardiff, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'non-immersive virtual reality'?

It means you won't wear a big headset. Instead, small sensors are attached to your body, and you'll see the exercises as a fun game character on a regular TV or laptop screen.

Will I have to pay for anything?

No, all aspects of the study, including the VR system if you're in that group, are provided free of charge.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be in one of the treatment groups for 12 weeks, followed by check-ups at 12 weeks and 24 weeks after your treatment started. So, around 6 months in total.

Can I still get my normal medical care while in the study?

Yes, you will continue to receive normal medical care for any other conditions you have.

What if I don't like the VR system?

Your feedback is valuable to the study. You're always free to discuss any concerns with the study team, and you can withdraw from the study at any time if you wish.