Importance of Virtual Reality to a Controlled Stimulus

Abstract

This study is intended to determine if the Virtual Reality (VR) simulator used in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) is the active component when using the technique to treat combat-related PTSD. It is a multi-site, randomized, single blind comparison of VRET versus a control condition that uses all the same components of therapy, except that a single, still computer image is used to focus a subject s attention rather than having him/her use a full, VR simulator. The VRET is conducted in the same fashion as has been previously used to treat combat PTSD. Subjects receive therapy for up to twice a week therapy for ten weeks. Subjects are assessed by independent, blinded raters before and after treatment, and three months later to determine long-term follow up. Success is determined by showing improvements on the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). The study was designed to complete treatment of 80 subjects (40 active and 40 controls) over the course of 4 years. A fifty percent dropout rate was anticipated. The study was to be completed at two military facilities, Naval Medical Center San Diego, and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Each of those sites contains several, smaller clinics. The first stage of the project was to recruit and train research therapists, and research assistants, to obtain IRB approval to conduct the study, and to set up measures to ensure and monitor protocol adherence and progress. This includes both weekly research meetings, and annual safety and efficacy review in which data is compiled each year to ensure that subjects in either the active or the control condition are not receiving care that is anything less than ideal. Because of funding cuts to the original budget, the study is dependent on including volunteer research therapists and research assistants who work on the project without cost to the grant.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA590185

Entities

People

  • Robert N. Mclay

Organizations

  • Geneva Foundation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Biomedical Research
  • Computing-Related Activities
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electronic Mail
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Machines
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Facilities
  • Simulations
  • Simulators
  • Virtual Reality
  • Volunteers
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.