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7. Virtual reality enabled intervention for pain management
Over the past decade, considerable advances in the technological capabilities of virtual reality (VR) have been achieved, enabling its successful application in the management of both acute and chronic pain conditions. Modern VR technology enables users to immerse in and interact with computer-generated simulations of three-dimensional environments. VR studies to date are focused primarily on distraction or physical rehabilitation and do not include the effect of VR-enabled mindfulness after exercise. 
We invited consumers over the age of 18 years old experiencing chronic pain to wear VR headsets and trial a mindfulness VR application. We asked individuals’ views and opinions about using Virtual Reality enabled intervention for mindfulness and relaxation to modulate pain intensity and prevent pain flare-ups after exercise.
Participants were very positive about the experience and keen to use it as a part of their pain management.
“I never experienced anything like that…it was amazing…I never felt that relaxed for a while.”
Participants found the VR mindfulness intervention useful for creating visual aids by fully immersing individuals in the environments and facilitating the breathing exercise while meditating, which is very relaxing. They expressed a preference for more real-world environments, e.g., ocean beach, rainforest and visuals to prompt their breathing.
“I wasn’t really thinking about anything else. Whereas at home, if I were doing mindfulness, I’d be thinking about 5 million other things.”
Thank you to the consumers who took the time to contribute their thoughts and ideas to the mindfulness VR application. Consumers valuable contributions will inform the next steps of this project.