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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT03153891

Nature as a Buffer Among People With Chronic Pain

This randomized controlled trial examines the effect of nature exposure on pain intensity levels among older adults who experience chronic pain. Investigators examine the effects of nature on: the experience of chronic pain, on pain catastrophizing, and on attention restoration.

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Key information

Conditions

Chronic Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

60 year–90 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York, 14853, United States

About this study

Nature has been used to reduce pain in the context of acute pain (e.g., during painful medical procedures) but nature has not been examined as an intervention strategy to address chronic pain. Second, the mechanism though which nature might reduce the experience of pain is not well understood. Participants are cognitively intact individuals aged 60-90 who experience chronic pain and who rate their health as fair, good or excellent. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three conditions: virtual reality (VR) nature; VR built environment; or control. Researchers examine effects of VR nature exposure on the experience of chronic pain, pain catastrophizing, and on attention restoration as well as the relations among these variables.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • rate health as "fair" "good" or "excellent"
  • experience chronic pain
  • cognitively intact
  • do not use wheelchair

Exclusion criteria

Treatment and study plan

Natural environment

Other

the natural environment will be delivered via Samsung VR gear goggles with Samsung smartphone.

Other names: VR nature

Built environment

Other

the built environment will be delivered via Samsung VR gear goggles with Samsung smartphone.

Other names: VR built environment

Primary outcomes

  1. Experience of chronic pain

    Time frame: up to 3 weeks; from date of randomization until 2nd data collection date

    rating of pain intensity, on scale of 1-10

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain catastrophizing

    Time frame: up to 3 weeks; from date of randomization until 2nd data collection date

    rate 13 items on 5-point scale (0-4) (Sullivan, et al., 2001)

  2. cognitive functioning

    Time frame: up to 3 weeks; from date of randomization until 2nd data collection date

    attention restoration - digit span forward & backwards; Attention Network Test

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cornell University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Virtual Nature: Benefits for Older Adults Who Experience Chronic Pain?

Important dates

Study start
2016
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2018
First posted
May 15, 2017
Registry last updated
Apr 1, 2019

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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