Long-Term Outcomes of Skill-Based Virtual Reality Therapy for High-Impact Chronic Pain: Findings from a Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Over Two Years - Report - MDSpire

Long-Term Outcomes of Skill-Based Virtual Reality Therapy for High-Impact Chronic Pain: Findings from a Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Over Two Years

  • By

  • Todd Maddox

  • Josh Sackman

  • Robert Bonakdar

  • Roselani Maddox

  • Beth D Darnall

  • April 23, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Long-Term Outcomes of Skill-Based Virtual Reality Therapy for HICP

Overview

This report examines the long-term effectiveness of skill-based virtual reality (VR) therapy for high-impact chronic pain (HICP) at two years post-treatment. Findings indicate significant and durable reductions in pain interference, pain intensity, sleep disturbance, and physical disability among HICP patients who underwent VR therapy.

Background

High-impact chronic pain (HICP) affects a significant portion of the adult population, with increasing prevalence and associated healthcare burdens. Effective management of HICP is crucial, as it leads to higher healthcare utilization and costs. Virtual reality therapy presents a promising low-risk intervention that could enhance treatment outcomes for patients suffering from HICP.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Significant reductions in pain interference and pain intensity were observed in HICP patients after skill-based VR therapy.
  • At the end of treatment, 70% of HICP patients were reclassified as low-impact chronic pain (LICP).
  • Improvements in pain interference were maintained at 1 year post-treatment, with 67% of patients still classified as LICP.
  • Secondary outcomes showed larger reductions in sleep disturbance and physical disability for HICP patients compared to LICP patients.
  • Device engagement and usability were high among participants, with no significant differences between HICP and LICP groups.

Clinical Implications

Suggest specific strategies for clinicians to integrate VR therapy into practice.

Conclusion

Skill-based VR therapy demonstrates significant long-term benefits for patients with HICP, suggesting its potential as a viable treatment option in chronic pain management. Further research is warranted to explore its broader applications in clinical practice.

References

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  3. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  4. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  5. NCHS Data Brief, Number 518, November 2024 -- National Pain Strategy
  6. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  7. NCHS Data Brief, Number 518, November 2024
  8. AccessGUDID - DEVICE: RelieVRx (00850038247072)
  9. Telehealth and Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Based Treatments for High-Impact Chronic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Trials | JAMA | JAMA Network

Original Source(s)

Related Content