Effects of a virtual reality hypnosis intervention on chronic pain: a user experience and proof-of-concept study

Abstract Chronic pain is a significant public health issue in Canada, with approximately one in four Canadians over the age of 15 living with this condition. Due to its impact on individuals—both physically and psychologically—and its financial burden on the healthcare system, it is crucial to develop cost-effective and efficient treatment methods. Hypnosis and virtual reality have emerged as promising solutions in this context. This study aims to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of an intervention combining virtual reality and hypnosis. The study involved 30 patients with chronic pain who were invited to test a hypnosis application delivered through a virtual reality device. Levels of pain, anxiety, and relaxation were measured before and after the intervention, while satisfaction, cybersickness, and user experience were evaluated post-intervention. At the end of the intervention, participants were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview to provide feedback on their satisfaction with the experience. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention, a positive user experience, and minimal symptoms of cybersickness. The intervention was effective in reducing anxiety (W = 173.5, p = .002) and pain (W = 253.5, p < .001) while significantly enhancing relaxation levels (W = 9.00, p < .001). This intervention demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety while improving relaxation levels among individuals with chronic pain, paving the way for further investigations of the involved mechanisms.