Exploring the Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Reality Exercise for Pain Management, Fear of Movement, Mobility, and Proprioception Deficit in Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients During Flares: Twics Design

Sponsor
University of Bath
Study ID
NCT06967077
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Virtual reality head set. — OTHER
    Tennis game exercise using virtual reality head set

Study Details

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammatory arthritis of the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and mobility limitations. During flares, when symptoms worsen, people with axSpA often experience increased pain and difficulty moving, making daily activities more challenging. This study aims to explore whether virtual reality (VR) exercise can help manage pain, improve movement, and support rehabilitation for axSpA patients during flares. Participants will use a VR system to perform gentle exercises designed to encourage movement and reduce discomfort. Their spinal mobility will be measured using motion capture technology, and their experiences with VR will be assessed through questionnaires and interviews. This research will help determine whether VR can be a practical and beneficial tool for axSpA rehabilitation, potentially offering a new way to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The findings will guide future studies on using VR in healthcare settings for people with chronic pain conditions.

Key Dates

Start date
Sep 1, 2025
Status verified
May 2025
Primary completion
Sep 30, 2027
Completion
Dec 10, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
40 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

  • No Intervention: control group
    Participants will undergo baseline assessments which includes: 1. Spinal ROM and speed of movement, using a motion capture system (mocap) 2. Questionnaires: BASFI, BASMI, BASDAI, TSK, PCS, VAS, and McGill Pain Questionnaire. 3. JPE Testing: Proprioception will be assessed using VR system by targeting specific joint positions 10 times based on each participant's full ROM.
  • Experimental: Virtual reality group
    Participants will undergo baseline assessments which includes: 1. Spinal ROM and speed of movement, using a motion capture system (mocap) 2. Questionnaires: BASFI, BASMI, BASDAI, TSK, PCS, VAS, and McGill Pain Questionnaire. 3. JPE Testing: Proprioception will be assessed using VR system by targeting specific joint positions 10 times based on each participant's full ROM. additionally they will be performing the VR tennis game for 10 minutes daily during flare stage. followed by feasibility assessment including usability and acceptability assessment of the VR intervention using both questionnaires and interviews during second and third sessions.

Primary Outcome Measure

1. Change in spinal mobility [ Time Frame: between baseline and one month follow up ]

Central Contacts

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