In a recent study, York St. John University researchers have demonstrated the use of virtual reality headsets to control pain. Discomfort was further reduced when sound was incorporated into the process.
In the experiment, a small group of adults submerged one hand in ice water while playing an Oculus VR based game, with and with out sound. While playing and hearing accompanying sounds, subjects could tolerate the discomfort for 79 seconds. With out sound, it was reduced to 56 seconds. With out any VR support, they could tolerate the cold water for 30 seconds (on average).
If verified with a much larger group of subjects and a broader spectrum of pain/discomfort tested, this discovery could potentially bring a non-drug pain reducing method to individuals at home.
Wearable Tech + Digital Health San Francisco – April 5, 2016 @ the Mission Bay Conference Center
NeuroTech San Francisco – April 6, 2016 @ the Mission Bay Conference Center
Wearable Tech + Digital Health NYC – June 7, 2016 @ the New York Academy of Sciences
NeuroTech NYC – June 8, 2016 @ the New York Academy of Sciences