Virtual reality could be the new painkiller for stiff necks
NCT ID NCT03987334
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether virtual reality exercises can reduce neck pain and disability better than standard physical therapy. Seventy-two adults with chronic neck pain or whiplash will do 12 sessions over six weeks. Half will use VR, the other half will do the same exercises without VR. Researchers will measure pain and daily function before, after, and three months later.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Virtual reality motor control rehabilitation
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a more engaging and effective way to manage chronic neck pain without drugs.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study. The virtual reality may not provide extra benefit over standard exercises, and results may not apply to all neck pain patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 72 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2019
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult individuals (18-70 years old); * Neck Pain (Chronic Neck Pain or Whiplash); * Normal vision or corrected vision. Exclusion Criteria: * Informed Consent negation; * System infection or metabolic/neurological/muscular degenerative disorder; * Cervical spinal pathology, fracture or surgery; * Radiculopathy; * Vestibular impairments; * Epilepsy; * Pregnancy.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele
RECRUITINGMilan, MI, 20132, Italy
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