Evaluating VR Therapy Using Cold Pressor Test

Overview

About this study

This study is testing whether or not low-cost, virtual reality (VR) headsets for mobile phones can be used as a potential distractor from pain and thus would have clinical applications as a low-cost, non-pharmaceutical method to increase pain tolerance in patients undergoing painful or uncomfortable procedures. To do this, the investigators are asking volunteers to submerge their hand up to the wrist in cold water (Cold Pressor Test), either while playing an interactive virtual reality game on the headset, or while wearing a VR headset that is turned off as a control. The investigators will record the participants' tolerance to cold water as measured by how long the participants are able to keep their hand in the cold water.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy adult Mayo Clinic students and employees

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants who are known to be sensitive to VR technology and/or have undesirable reactions to VR technology (i.e. dizziness, motion sickness)
Participants with significant alcohol/smoking histories, sickle cell anemia, history of previous myocardial infarction and/or coronary artery disease, malignant hypertension, metabolic
dysfunctions, pregnancy, Raynaud's disease, epilepsy, severe mental disorders, chronic pain conditions, or diseases producing neuropathic pain
Participants that have used drugs/alcohol the day prior to the study

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location	Status
Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic principal investigator Janet Vittone, M.D.	Closed for enrollment
Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. Mayo Clinic principal investigator Janet Vittone, M.D.	Closed for enrollment

Mayo Clinic Location

Status

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Janet Vittone, M.D.

Closed for enrollment

Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Janet Vittone, M.D.

Closed for enrollment

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available

Clinical Trials