Name of the project
- Using fMRI to Examine the Neurobiological Basis of Virtual Reality Pain Attenuation
Project abstract/brief description
- This study aims to further understand the neurobiological mechanisms of how virtual reality (VR) may attenuate pain perception in adults and adolescents. This study will employ functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) technology to explore how functional activity in the brain relates to observed pain attenuation effects. In particular, this study proposes to record whole-brain blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals during concurrent VR immersion and laboratory-controlled pain administration. Time course analysis of the signals from strategic regions of interest (ROI) can potentially reveal critical knowledge beyond ordinary spatial brain mapping method.
Improved understanding of the responsible neural mechanisms may lead to the development of novel and improved methods of VR pain attenuation. Integrating fMRI and the use of virtual reality during experimentally induced pain will provide new information/knowledge into the efficacy of VR for pain attenuation, as well as illuminate underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Ultimately, data collected during this grant period will be used to apply for extramural support (i.e. NIH funding) to support additional fMRI investigations of VR for children with chronic pain states.
Name of Principal Investigator
Department/division/center/school in which the project is based
- ACCM (Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine)
Primary institution in which this project is based
- Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
Name and email address for the Project Director / Manager, or person responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of this project
If we were to request additional information about this project, please provide the name of the person to contact and his/her email address
- Project Director / Manager listed above
Are there any Co-Investigators on this project?
Please name all Co-Investigators and their institutional affiliation
- Co-Investigator - Institutional affiliation
- Vincent Chen - CHLA
Which, if any, of the following institutions are you partnering with for this project?
For each partner institution listed, please indicate the specific department / division / institute / center with which you are partnering
Are you collaborating with any other academic, clinical or community organizations on this project?
List any academic, clinical and / or community organizations with which you are collaborating. Please include each partner organization's location
Which institutional IRBs have reviewed and approved this project?
- Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA)
Which of the following best characterizes the agency(ies) funding this project? (IF THIS IS A SUBCONTRACT, PLEASE IDENTIFY THE CORE FUNDING SOURCE, e.g., NIH, CDC, etc.)
- Federal - NIH (please specify BRANCH)
What year does / did funding begin?
What year does/did funding end?
Which of the following best describes the project's thematic focus?
- Chronic illness/disability - treatment, co-morbidities and care, prevention and education, transition from pediatric to adult care
In what context do your project activities (e.g. data collection) take place?
- Hospital/in-patient setting
How would you classify this project?
Please indicate which of the following best characterizes the type of research you are conducting?
- Clinical/patient-oriented research
Which of the following best characterizes your study design?
What type of data collection methods are used?
- Surveys
- Collection of specific clinical data
- Other (please specify)
Which services does your program provide?
- NOT a service project - Research only
How many participants will be/were recruited to participate in your research or service program over the funding/study period?
Which of the following best describe the population this project targets?
Which of the following best describes the age groups this project targets?
- Adolescents (12-18 years)
- Adults (26-65 years)
Which of the following best describes the racial/ethnic characteristics of the project participants?
Please provide any additional characteristics of your project participants that are specific to the goals of the project, e.g., low-income, un-insured, incarcerated, pregnant/parenting teens, populations with disabilities, specific conditions, etc.
Which of the following best describes the location(s) in which this project takes/took place?
In which LA County Service Planning Area (SPA) do/did your project activities take place?
In which locations outside LA County do your project activities take place?
Does this project have an advisory board?
How often does your advisory board meet?
Please indicate which of the following best describes the membership of this project's advisory board?
Which of the following best describe the type of guidance your advisory group provides for your project?
In what ways, if any, has your project disseminated information about your project, including findings and lessons learned?
Which dissemination activities do you/did you find to be most effective?