Actively Recruiting
Virtual Reality-Enhanced Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Symptom Management in Burn Survivors
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-03-05
34
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate whether progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), delivered alone or enhanced with virtual reality (VR), can help manage chronic symptoms such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep problems, and fatigue in adult burn survivors. The study will compare the effects of VR-enhanced PMR (VR-PMR) with standard PMR to see if the VR technology improves symptom relief and is feasible as a self-administered home treatment for burn survivors. Participants will engage in two intervention phases using a randomized crossover design. In the VR-PMR phase, participants will complete 20-minute sessions for three consecutive days before bedtime, using a VR headset to immerse in relaxing nature scenes while performing PMR exercises. In the standard PMR phase, participants will follow audio-guided muscle relaxation exercises without VR. Each intervention is self-administered at home with symptom reporting throughout the study. During the trial, participants will report symptoms like pain, itch, anxiety, sleep quality, and fatigue before and after each intervention phase. Researchers will assess outcomes using various scales, including numeric rating scales for pain, itch, and anxiety, and sleep and fatigue questionnaires. The study will track adherence, usability, and symptom changes over the intervention periods, with a total duration of about three weeks per intervention phase.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
VR-PMR for Post-Burn Symptoms
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 years old or older
- Sustained a burn injury at least 6 months ago
- Score high on at least one symptom scale: Insomnia Severity Index of 8 or more, Pain severity score of 3 or more, or Itch severity score of 55 or more
- Own a smartphone or computer with reliable internet for online visits and surveys
- Able to comfortably wear goggles or headsets on the face as self-reported
You will not qualify if you...
- Cognitive impairment with Mini Mental Status Exam score less than 25
- History of motion sickness, photosensitivity, seizures triggered by light, or claustrophobia as self-reported
- Uncorrected vision or hearing problems as self-reported
- Non-English speaker
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Each intervention phase lasts 3 days
Participants complete two intervention phases in a crossover design: a self-administered VR-enhanced progressive muscle relaxation (VR-PMR) therapy and a standard progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) therapy. Each intervention consists of 20-minute sessions conducted for 3 consecutive days, one hour before bedtime, to help manage symptoms such as pain, itch, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.
Daily self-administered sessions for 3 days per intervention phase
Duration - Up to 3 weeks post intervention
Participants are monitored after completion of both intervention phases to assess symptom outcomes including pain, itch, anxiety, sleep quality, and fatigue.
Assessments conducted pre-intervention and post intervention (3 weeks)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21224
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lynn Nakad, PhD, RN
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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