Cortical Mechanisms Underlying Immersive Interactive Virtual Walking Treatment for Amelioration of Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury: Findings from a Preliminary Investigation of Thalamic Inhibitory Function

J. Clin. Med., 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175743 · Published: September 4, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether virtual reality walking (VRWalk) can reduce neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury (SCI) by increasing a brain chemical called GABA. The researchers found that after VRWalk treatment, participants had increased GABA levels in the thalamus, a brain region involved in sensorimotor processing, and also reported less pain. The findings suggest VRWalk may help normalize brain function, specifically in the thalamus, potentially reducing pain by improving sensorimotor processing.

Study Duration

10 days within a two week period

Participants

7 participants with complete paraplegia and neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants showed a significant decrease in NRS ratings of average pain collected prior to and following the intervention.
2
Participants also showed a signiﬁcant decrease in VAS ratings of pain collected prior to and after the intervention
3
Participants showed a signiﬁcant decrease in mean GABA/creatine ratios from pre- to post-VRWalk intervention

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of immersive virtual reality walking (VRWalk) on neuropathic pain (NP) following spinal cord injury (SCI), focusing on changes in thalamic GABA content. The findings revealed a significant increase in thalamic GABA content after the VRWalk intervention, alongside reported reductions in SCI NP intensity. The study suggests that VRWalk may alleviate SCI NP by normalizing thalamic neurotransmitter dysregulation, potentially involving sensorimotor cortex activation.

Practical Implications

Home-Based Pain Management

VRWalk can be used at home to help individuals manage pain after SCI.

Neuromodulatory Interventions

Interventions aimed at increasing thalamic inhibitory function may provide more effective pain relief.

Targeting Sensorimotor Cortex

Visual illusion modalities, such as virtual walking, may activate the sensorimotor cortex in an adaptive manner with the consequence that SCI NP is reduced.

Cortical Mechanisms Underlying Immersive Interactive Virtual Walking Treatment for Amelioration of Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury: Findings from a Preliminary Investigation of Thalamic Inhibitory Function

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Home-Based Pain Management

Neuromodulatory Interventions

Targeting Sensorimotor Cortex

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Cortical Mechanisms Underlying Immersive Interactive Virtual Walking Treatment for Amelioration of Neuropathic Pain after Spinal Cord Injury: Findings from a Preliminary Investigation of Thalamic Inhibitory Function

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Home-Based Pain Management

Neuromodulatory Interventions

Targeting Sensorimotor Cortex

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?