NCT05005026 · Texas A&M University
Virtual Walking Intervention for Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury
(VRWalk)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to determine if playing a virtual reality walking game can help improve neuropathic pain in adults with chronic spinal cord injury.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to determine if playing a virtual reality walking game can help improve neuropathic pain in adults with chronic spinal cord injury.
Interventions
OTHER
VR Game 1
Individuals playing VR game 1 will wear a head-mounted display to allow them to visualize virtual legs in the virtual environment. When wearing the display, individuals will see the legs and arms of their virtual avatar from a first-person perspective. Individuals will engage in virtual reality sessions in their home twice daily over the course of 10 days in a two-week period. Each daily session will take approximately 30 minutes, with 5-10 minutes dedicated to the virtual walking experience. Additionally, each daily session will be scheduled a minimum of 4 hours apart.
OTHER
VR Game 2
Individuals playing VR game 2 will wear a head-mounted display to allow them to visualize virtual legs in the virtual environment. When wearing the display, individuals will see the legs and arms of their virtual avatar from a first-person perspective. Individuals will engage in virtual reality sessions in their home twice daily over the course of 10 days in a two-week period. Each daily session will take approximately 30 minutes, with 5-10 minutes dedicated to the virtual walking experience. Additionally, each daily session will be scheduled a minimum of 4 hours apart.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline - final follow up (up to 18 months)
The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) measures pain intensity via 0-10 numeric rating scale 0-10 where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain imaginable.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- The study will recruit individuals with complete injury (American Spinal Injury Association \[ASIA\] classification A) with lumbar, paraplegic, or low tetraplegic (C5-C7) injury. Additional criteria will include:
- Must have persistent NP symptoms that are of daily severity of at least 4/10 for 3 or more months
- Must endorse more than 2 items on a 7-item Spinal Cord Injury Pain Instrument, SCIPI
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be more than one year post-injury to begin study (can be screened at an earlier time for eligibility)
- Must have mobile connectivity with usable service
- Must be stable on pain medication for 1 or more months
- Must be cleared on the VRWalk physical activity clearance scale
- Must not have motion sickness that interferes with daily life
Exclusion criteria
- Individuals with Injury levels between C1 and C4
- Individuals under the age of 18
- Individuals who were injured within the past year
- Individuals who cannot comprehend spoken English
- Individuals who are in prison
- Individuals who are blind
- Individuals who experience severe motion sickness
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- College Station, Texas
Collaborators
United States Department of Defense, Richmond VA Medical Center, Immersive Experience Labs
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 17, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations