In-Home Virtual Reality Program Reduces Patient Pain, Anxiety, and Depression

A total of 145 patients with chronic spondylitic pain (63 cervical, 46 noradicular lumbar, 36 radicular lumbar) were enrolled into a guided 14-week VR + CBT program (Vx Therapy).  PROMIS measures of overall daily pain intensity, behavior, interference, anxiety, and depression were recorded at baseline and conclusion of the program. Pain/anxiety severity scores and time to pain recurrence were recorded prospectively by patients.

• Pain was acutely reduced on average by 33%, lasting a mean of 2.8 hours after use
• Anxiety was acutely reduced on average by 46%, lasting a mean 2.7 hours after use
• Mean scores for all PROMIS domains were significantly improved including 38% for Pain Interference, 29% for pain behavior, and 20% for Anxiety