ROHKEA: Virtual Reality Therapy 12-week Programme for Chronic Pain
This study, called ROHKEA, is exploring a new way to help people in the UK who have ongoing muscle and joint pain. Many people struggle with chronic pain and find it hard to get support. This project aims to use a virtual reality (VR) program that you can do from the comfort of your own home over 12 weeks. The idea is that VR can help people practise coping skills and movement in a safe way, making it easier for them to get back to doing things they enjoy in their real lives. The study will look at the experiences of six patients to understand how this VR therapy helps them manage their pain and improve their daily lives.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many people in the UK live with ongoing muscle and joint pain, which can be really tough. It can make everyday activities difficult and sometimes prevent people from leaving their homes or engaging in social activities. Unfortunately, getting help for chronic pain can be challenging, and sometimes services are hard to access, especially if you have other responsibilities like work or looking after family. This study is exploring a new way to offer support using something called virtual reality (VR).
The ROHKEA study focuses on a 12-week VR program that you can do from your own home. Think of it like a safe 'dress rehearsal' where you can practise new ways to manage your pain. The VR therapy aims to help you learn coping skills, similar to those taught in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and also practise movement in a supportive environment. The idea is that this can give you the confidence and motivation to step back into your daily life more fully, even with pain.
This is a small pilot study, meaning it's a first step to understand if this VR approach works well and how people experience it. We will be working with six patients who will go through the 12-week program. We want to hear about their experiences through interviews and by them keeping a diary. This will help us understand if this home-based VR therapy could be a valuable tool to help more people in the future who are finding it hard to get traditional pain management support.
Key takeaways
- Learn new ways to manage your ongoing muscle and joint pain.
- Use virtual reality (VR) from the comfort of your own home.
- A 12-week program designed to help you become more active.
- Requires daily practice (about 30 minutes) using VR and a smartphone app.
- This is a pilot study to understand patient experiences with this new approach.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 99 years old who has been experiencing ongoing pain (chronic pain) for at least three months. It's important that you're willing to try new skills to manage your pain and are happy to complete about 30 minutes of practice each day using the virtual reality equipment. You'll also need access to a smartphone and Wi-Fi at home, as the program uses a mobile app.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your pain has only just started (less than three months ago), or if you're not comfortable using virtual reality equipment. Also, if you don't have a smartphone or Wi-Fi, or if you're unable to commit to the daily practice, this study might not be suitable for you. We also need to make sure you can safely use the VR equipment.
- Are you aged between 18 and 99 years old?
- Have you had ongoing pain for at least the past three months?
- Do you have a smartphone and Wi-Fi at home?
- Are you willing to try using virtual reality equipment?
- Are you able to commit to about 30 minutes of practice each day?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll go through a 12-week program using a virtual reality (VR) headset and a special app on your smartphone, all from your own home. We'll ask you to do about 30 minutes of home practice with the VR every day.
Before you start, you'll have a phone call to check if the study is right for you and to make sure you can use the VR equipment safely. We'll also help you set some goals for what you'd like to get out of the program. Throughout the 12 weeks, we'll ask you to keep a diary of your experiences. After you finish the program, you'll have an interview with a researcher, which will be recorded, so we can understand your journey and how you felt about the VR therapy. There are no medications involved in this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Torbay HospitalTorquay, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is Virtual Reality (VR) therapy?
VR therapy uses a special headset to create a computer-generated world that you can experience as if it were real. In this study, it's used to help you practise pain management skills.
How long does the study last?
The main part of the program where you use the VR therapy lasts for 12 weeks.
Do I need special equipment at home?
You'll need a smartphone and Wi-Fi connection. The VR headset will be provided as part of the study.
Will I have to go to a clinic?
No, the therapy program is designed for you to do from your own home.
What kind of pain is this for?
This study is for people who have ongoing muscle and joint pain (musculoskeletal pain) that has been present for at least three months.
How to find out more
Phillipa Newton-Cross
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.