Augmented Reality Sensorimotor Training to Treat Chronic Neck

Summary

The goal of this research is to investigate whether 2-4 weeks of augmented reality sensorimotor training induces positive changes so as to effect pain relief in patients with chronic neck pain. In addition, this study aims to determine if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) delivered prior to augmented reality sensorimotor training enhances the benefits from the sensorimotor training. This study will also use a battery of questionnaires, functional assessments and electroencephalography markers to identify changes following the sensorimotor training that may be associated with benefits in pain symptoms. Before we embark on a larger study, we plan to investigate the feasibility of our study procedures in a feasibility study involving 40 patients.

Conditions

• Chronic Neck Pain

Interventions

DEVICE

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, non-painful procedure used to relieve chronic pain and promote short-term changes. The abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle of the left motor cortex will be targeted using neuronavigation software. 2000 pulses will be delivered at 10 Hz stimulation. Stimulation will be delivered at 80% of the resting motor threshold obtained from the right APB muscle. The delivery of rTMS requires \~ 11.5 minutes in total.

DEVICE

Augmented Reality Sensorimotor Training

Sensorimotor training is a non-invasive, non-painful procedure using augmented reality to present virtual objects which cue motor action. Augmented reality allows us to project virtual objects overlaid on the user's actual environment. The sensorimotor training task involves making movements with the head and neck such that a target crosshair presented in the centre of the glasses is moved to a virtual target that is presented in the user's environment. Participants will perform 20 minutes of sensorimotor training. The goal of augmented reality sensorimotor training is to promote goal directed actions using the head and neck.

DEVICE

Sham Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Sham repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, non-painful procedure. The abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle of the left motor cortex will be targeted using neuronavigation software. During the sham, participants will hear and experience the clicking from the device but will not be provided with any stimulation. The delivery of sham rTMS requires \~ 11.5 minutes in total.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

  collaborator OTHER

• McMaster University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Aimee Nelson, PhD · McMaster University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-03-01

Primary Completion

2024-07-01

Completion

2024-12-01

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations