Evaluating Virtual Reality to Teach Relaxation for Reducing Migraines and Tension Headaches in Children Aged 8 to 15

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a behavioral intervention to reduce chronic headaches in children aged 8 to 15 years. The study aims to assess how using virtual reality combined with biofeedback can help children learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing, improve their confidence in managing pain, and reduce headache frequency and intensity. The study also compares this approach to similar relaxation training without virtual reality and to a control group receiving only psychoeducation. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups relaxation training with virtual reality and biofeedback, relaxation training with biofeedback alone, or a control group receiving psychoeducation through video modules at home. The interventions last for 8 weeks with sessions including psychoeducation, relaxation training, and homework exercises to reinforce skills. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor headache frequency and intensity, self-efficacy, pain coping strategies, and satisfaction with the intervention at the start, immediately after the 8-week program, and two months later for intervention groups. Additional assessments include daily diaries during treatment, pain perceptions, functional disability, and questionnaires about the virtual reality experience. The total participation involves these assessments and follow-ups over several months.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality as a Learning Tool for Relaxation Techniques in Reducing Pediatric Migraines and Tension Type Headache