Doan Lauren, Recasens Marc, Lake Jessica, Miller Ian, Vierra Elise, Richeimer Steven, Yao Iris, Junghaenel Doerte U, Weinstein Faye
Department of Science, Limbix Health Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States.
Department of Research, BehaVR Inc. (DBA RealizedCare), Elizabethtown, KY, United States.
Front Digit Health. 2025 Jun 24;7:1505861. doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2025.1505861. eCollection 2025.
Guided imagery is a strategy utilized in chronic pain management by patients. Benefits are cumulative via ongoing application. Engagement via Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming more accessible as a strategy to enhance adherence, use and benefit of guided imagery. We conducted a preliminary investigation of the feasibility, acceptability, patient experience, and efficacy of the use of VR for patients with chronic pain to use at home.
36 patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or Low Back Pain were randomly assigned to VR or audio only guided imagery groups. Feasibility, acceptability and patient experience were rated by participants. Outcomes assessed at baseline and post-intervention were pain, mental and physical health, and mood.
Results indicate that the intervention was feasible and found acceptable by participants. The intervention also demonstrated promising preliminary efficacy based on self-reported within-group decreases in pain, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and improvements in physical and mental functioning.
The use of VR shows promise for enhancing the application and experience of guided imagery training with people who have chronic pain.
引导式意象是患者在慢性疼痛管理中采用的一种策略。通过持续应用，其益处会不断累积。借助虚拟现实（VR）来参与引导式意象，作为一种提高其依从性、使用率和益处的策略，正变得越来越容易实现。我们对慢性疼痛患者在家中使用VR的可行性、可接受性、患者体验及疗效进行了初步调查。
36名患有复杂性区域疼痛综合征或腰痛的患者被随机分配到VR组或仅音频引导式意象组。参与者对可行性、可接受性和患者体验进行评分。在基线和干预后评估的结果包括疼痛、心理和身体健康以及情绪。
结果表明该干预是可行的且被参与者接受。基于自我报告的组内疼痛减轻、抑郁症状减轻、焦虑症状减轻以及身心功能改善，该干预还显示出了有前景的初步疗效。
对于增强慢性疼痛患者的引导式意象训练的应用和体验而言，VR的使用显示出了前景。
