Abstract Details

Title Acute and Lasting Benefits of a Virtual Reality in Multiple Sclerosis

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 1-010

Objective

To test the therapeutic application of virtual reality (VR) to manage symptom burden and increase quality of life for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Background

VR is an emerging technology with many potential healthcare applications. VR typically involves use of a headset with binocular input that enables users to observe and/or interact with controlled virtual environments in 360°. The distraction through sensory immersion has been demonstrated to be effective for reducing pain and may also improve mood states. VR can also be used as a platform for teaching techniques such as controlled breathing and mindfulness meditation that can be incorporated for lasting benefit.

We tested the feasibility and tolerability of VR in those with MS, a chronic neurological condition with frequently high symptom burden including pain, depressed mood, and fatigue.

Design/Methods This study is ongoing with recruitment having begun in July 2018. Participants with a MS were recruited to complete 8 sessions of 35-minute VR treatment and randomly assigned to an either passive (viewing) or interactive (moving) condition. VR treatment was delivered in clinic via an HTC Vive headset and study technicians monitored the each participant for safety over the course of each session. Symptom inventories including the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and PROMIS scales were administered to subjects before and after each VR to assess whether the treatment was inducing benefit across symptoms.

Results To date, n=8 participants with typical MS presentation have enrolled their participation and experienced symptomatic benefit. VR sessions, independent of passive or active condition, resulted in improved positive affect (mean±SD = 2.94±0.72) and reduced negative affect (mean±SD = -1.36±1.33).

Conclusions VR treatment is a feasible and promising tool to manage symptoms for patients living with MS and other chronic neurologic conditions.

Authors/Disclosures
Michael Shaw PRESENTER	Mr. Shaw has nothing to disclose.
Maria Palmeri (NYU Langone Health)	Ms. Palmeri has nothing to disclose.
Lauren B. Krupp, MD, FAAN (NYU Langone Medical Center)	Dr. krupp has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. krupp has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Celgene. Dr. krupp has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Medscape. Dr. krupp has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for EBIX. Dr. krupp has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Biogen. Dr. krupp has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Hoffman LaRoche. Dr. krupp has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for MMMK. Dr. krupp has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Patrick, Dolan, and Kaufman. Dr. krupp has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care.
Leigh E. Charvet, PhD (NYU Langone)	Dr. Charvet has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Charvet has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Springer Healthcare. Dr. Charvet has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for YBrain. Dr. Charvet has stock in Johnson&Johnson.

��ɫ��

��ɫ��