VR-ACT after Stroke

This exploratory project aims to develop and pilot test, in a parallel group randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a self-management VR 8-week program for pain management and mental health in patients with CPSP, in two assessment moments (pre- to post-intervention). Participants will be adults (age 18-80) diagnosed with CPSP and attending the neurology service and/or the pain unit of Coimbra University Hospital (N = 60). It will follow a multi-method approach (qualitative and quantitative assessment) to compare two conditions: 1) The experimental condition (EC): the VR-ACT program: 8 modules of 3D immersive skills training (e.g., attentional and emotional

regulation, through mindful meditation practices, and fostering of valued behavior change); 2) The control condition (CC): sham VR (8 2D non-immersive video-animations and distraction exercises) delivered through a VR headset. Content analysis of qualitative data will be conducted through NVivo. Psychosocial quantitative data will be analyzed through Intention to Treat and Reliable Change Index analyses. Network Based Statistic will be used to assess network connectivity of the triple network (fMRI).