Home-based virtual reality for help with symptoms of multiple sclerosi

Treatment tested

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Other measures (1)

Background and study aims Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord. People with (MS often struggle as much with “hidden symptoms” of MS as with more “visible” symptoms (e.g. difficulty walking; speech difficulties). HSMS include fatigue, pain, depression, poor sleep and anxiety. Treating HSMS can be challenging. Medicines can help mood and pain, but may worsen fatigue and have side effects. Non-drug treatments including relaxation, mindfulness and exercise may be helpful but can be difficult for patients to access. There is a need for new effective strategies to help patients manage their symptoms which are engaging, effective, acceptable and accessible. Virtual reality (VR) provides an immersive escape into new environments and experiences which would not otherwise be accessible. This can help to relax and distract from unpleasant symptoms. This is an initial feasibility study to explore the home use of VR for symptom management by people with MS. Who can participate? Patients aged 18 years or over with progressive MS and at least one hidden symptom of MS What does the study involve? Participants are randomly divided into two groups of five. The first group will be provided with a simple VR headset at home. They can use it to try activities like swimming with dolphins, watching the sunrise at the beach or guided meditation and mindfulness. The second group will be provided with access to pre-recorded audio-guided meditation and relaxation sessions. Both groups will use the equipment at least three times per week for 6 weeks. Participants will be asked about their symptoms before the study starts, halfway through, at the end of 6 weeks and 1 month after the study to look for longer-lasting effects. The researchers will look at how the study was delivered, how easy it was to recruit participants, and how many dropped out. They will ask participants about their experiences and how the study could be improved. They will use their findings to design a larger trial to study the effects of VR on HSMS. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The researchers can’t promise that taking part in this study will help. It is hoped that both of the interventions may help participants to feel more relaxed and that this may help with some of the symptoms commonly seen in MS, including fatigue, pain, depression and anxiety. However, the researchers cannot guarantee that this will happen. They are interested in finding out whether the interventions have any effect on the symptoms that can occur with MS, especially pain, and they are hoping that the results of this study will help them to go on to develop a much larger trial where they can gather more information. Particiants may find that they can’t get on with the VR headset or with the MP3 player. They may find that they get bored of using them, or they don’t like the programmes. Some people can find the VR headset makes them feel claustrophobic or uncomfortable, or they can feel sick (like motion sickness). Some people can find being asked about their mood or their symptoms can make them feel worse. Where is the study run from? University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? September 2019 to May 2023 Who is funding the study? British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Laura Edwards laura.edwards@nottingham.ac.uk