The power of words: how physio talk about VR shapes pain Patients' beliefs

NCT ID NCT06282757

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether the way a physiotherapist talks about virtual reality (VR) affects how chronic pain patients view the treatment. Researchers showed 115 patients one of two videos: one with positive, encouraging words about VR, and another with negative, discouraging words. They then measured how credible and helpful patients thought the VR treatment would be. The goal is to understand how communication can boost or reduce treatment effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

video communication (placebo or nocebo wording about virtual reality)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could show that simple changes in how therapists talk about VR can improve patient expectations and treatment credibility.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed web-based study with 115 participants, not a treatment trial. The results may not apply to real clinic settings or different patient groups.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome Communication communication disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • HAN University of Applied Sciences

    Nijmegen, Overijssel, 6525EN, Netherlands