VR for CRPS

Virtual reality designed to retrain the brain’s response to pain

The Challenge

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a rare but severe chronic pain condition that often leaves people in constant pain with limited treatment options. It commonly affects the hands or feet and can cause both physical symptoms and a sense of disconnection from the affected limb, creating a significant barrier to rehabilitation for many people living with the condition.

The Solution

Led by Faculty of Health and Environmental Science Associate Professor Debbie Bean, alongside Professor David Rice and a multidisciplinary research team, this project explores how virtual reality (VR) can be used to retrain the brain’s relationship with pain and support rehabilitation for people with CRPS.

A working prototype uses virtual hands to create a sense of ownership, helping users reconnect with their affected limb. Early results through end user testing in people living with CRPS have been promising, with participants reporting reduced pain, an improved sense of ownership of the limb and a greater willingness to engage with movement. The long-term vision is a clinically validated, accessible tool that could be used in the clinical and home setting to support pain management.

Our Contribution

This project has been supported by the KiwiNet Tier 1 Pre-seed Accelerator Funding, accessed via AUT Ventures and Te Tītoki Mataoro’s Research Acceleration Programme. Associate Professor Bean also took part in the KiwiNet Emerging Innovator Programme in 2023. Through these initiatives, the team received guidance on commercialisation, intellectual property, and pathways toward clinical use. VR for CRPS is now advancing in prototype development and a clinical proof of concept study, with the goal of real-world application.