EXPERIMENT

PURPOSE

Our study investigates the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) in pain management, exploring how VR can modulate pain perception and physiological responses. We aim to create a custom VR experience designed to distract and immerse participants during a controlled pain-inducing procedure.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

Participants are adults aged 18-40, capable of informed consent and following experimental instructions. The study excludes individuals with significant real-world experiences (>5 years) that could influence outcomes and those with medical conditions contraindicating cold exposure.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

• Groups: Participants are randomly assigned to two groups using a double-blind technique: an experimental group experiencing VR and a control group without VR.

• VR Experience: The experimental group uses VR goggles to engage in a specially developed VR experience during the pain-inducing Cold Pressor Test, which involves hand immersion in cold water.

• Control Group: The control group undergoes the Cold Pressor Test without VR, receiving either a distraction activation or a placebo.

KEY ELEMENTS FOR VR DEVELOPMENT

• VR Content: The VR experience should be immersive and engaging, designed to distract participants from the pain of the cold water immersion. This might include calming visuals, interactive elements, or a narrative that captivates the user’s attention.

• Integration with Physiological Monitoring: The VR experience will be synchronized with the Emotibit device, tracking heart rate, temperature, and electrodermal activity, to assess the VR's impact on the participants’ physiological responses to pain.

• Pain Rating System: A method for participants to rate their pain (visual or numerical scale) should be seamlessly integrated into the VR experience, ensuring easy access and minimal disruption to the immersion.

STEP BY STEP PROCESS

• GREET // PREPARE

  • Welcome the participant and ask them to sit next to you.

  • Explain the purpose of the experiment briefly and ensure they understand and consent to the process.

• EMOTIBIT

  • Ask the participant to extend their left hand and gently attach the Emotibit device to their finger.

  • Ensure the device is secure but comfortable, explaining that it will monitor physiological responses during the experiment.

• VR HEADSET

  • Hand the VR headset to the participant and guide them to put it on.

  • Instruct them on how to adjust the headset for optimal comfort and clear vision.

  • Allow a few moments for the participant to get accustomed to the headset.

• ADJUST // SETUP

  • Ask the participant to remove the headset temporarily.

  • While they are doing this, set up the VR experience, ensuring it's ready to start once they wear the headset again.

• ICE WATER // HAND IMMERSION

  • Direct the participant to place their right hand into the ice water bucket beside them.

  • Instruct them to submerge their hand up to the wrist and encourage them to keep it there as long as possible, but also remind them they can remove it if necessary.

• START // VR EXPERIENCE

  • Once the participant’s hand is in the water, help them put on the VR headset again.

  • Start the VR experience, which begins with an initial set of questions to gauge their initial pain level and mental state.

• MEDITATION

  • Guide the participant into a meditation session through the VR experience, designed to distract and relax them while their hand remains in the cold water.

• POST-MEDITATION

  • After the meditation, a series of questions are presented again through the VR interface to assess changes in pain perception and emotional state.

• COMPLETION // DEBRIEFING

  • Conclude the VR session and assist the participant in removing the headset and Emotibit device.

  • Allow the participant to remove their hand from the ice water if they haven't already.

  • Discuss their experience, gather feedback, and thank them for their participation.

⦵