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VR-integrated MBCT may improve functional disability and pain bothersomeness in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) compared to usual care alone.

This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an 8-week VR-integrated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (VR-MBCT) as an adjunct to usual care in 214 patients with CNLBP. Primary outcomes are the proportions of patients achieving at least 30% improvement in functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index) and pain bothersomeness (0-10 scale) at week 8. The trial is open-label and will analyze data using intention-to-treat generalized estimating equations.

Last updated: Aug 21, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effect of virtual reality-integrated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on pain and psychological symptoms in chronic non-specific low back pain: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

observational

Wang P, Yuan J, Gu Q, Dai G, Zhu X, Liu Z, Yu Y, Jin X · Frontiers in digital health (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks (follow-up at 26 weeks)
Intervention: 8-week VR-integrated MBCT (weekly in-clinic VR sessions plus structured audio-guided home practice) added to usual care, compared to usual care alone (e.g., pharmacotherapy, physical therapy).
Outcome: Proportion of patients with ≥30% improvement from baseline in functional disability (ODI) and pain bothersomeness (0-10 scale) at week 8; secondary outcomes include pain intensity, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, work productivity, system usability, and concomitant treatment use.
Effect Size: N/A (protocol; results not yet reported)
Population: Patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) recruited from pain clinics of three hospitals (n=214).

Result:

PubMed: 42614598DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1902063

Mechanism Graph

VR provides immersive, standardized, and accessible delivery of MBCT
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MBCT enhances mindfulness and cognitive reappraisal of pain
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Reduced pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia
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Improved functional disability and pain bothersomeness

Limitations

  • ⚠Open-label design may introduce performance and detection bias
  • ⚠Results not yet available; only protocol described
  • ⚠Generalizability limited to patients from pain clinics in three hospitals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary outcome of this trial?▼

The primary outcomes are the proportions of patients achieving at least 30% improvement from baseline in functional disability (ODI) and self-reported back pain bothersomeness (0-10 scale) at week 8.

How long is the VR-MBCT intervention?▼

The intervention lasts 8 weeks, with weekly in-clinic VR sessions supplemented by structured audio-guided home practice.

What is the sample size and randomization?▼

The trial will recruit 214 patients with CNLBP, randomized 1:1 to VR-MBCT plus usual care or usual care alone, using stratified block randomization by center and age (≥60 vs <60).

What safety outcomes are being measured?▼

Safety outcomes include VR-related adverse events such as vertigo, vomiting, nausea, headache, and falls.

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References

  1. 1.Wang P, Yuan J, Gu Q, Dai G, Zhu X, Liu Z, Yu Y, Jin X. "Effect of virtual reality-integrated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on pain and psychological symptoms in chronic non-specific low back pain: protocol for a randomized controlled trial.." Frontiers in digital health, 2026. PMID: 42614598 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2026.1902063
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.