Virtual reality hypnosis diminishes experimental cold pain and alters autonomic responses.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool to reduce pain in clinical setting. Digital scripts displayed by VR disposals can be enriched by several analgesic interventions, which are widely used to reduce pain. One of these techniques is hypnosis induced through the VR script (VRH) which is facilitated by immersive environment and particularly efficient even for low hypnotizable patients.

Effect of Virtual Reality Hypnosis on Pain Threshold and Neurophysiological and Autonomic Biomarkers in Healthy Volunteers: Prospective Randomized Crossover Study.

Background: Virtual reality hypnosis (VRH) is a promising tool to reduce pain. However, the benefits of VRH on pain perception and on the physiological expression of pain require further investigation.

Objective: In this study, we characterized the effects of VRH on the heat pain threshold among adult healthy volunteers while monitoring several physiological and autonomic functions.