Clinical Research Directory

Interdisciplinary Therapeutic Intervention for People With Persistent Pain

Study Objective The project aims to implement an interdisciplinary therapeutic program for people suffering from persistent pain (specifically fibromyalgia) to optimize their quality of life through a comprehensive approach that addresses physical, psychological, social, and nutritional dimensions. What does the intervention consist of? The initiative is a social innovation proposal structured around four fundamental pillars, carried out by a team of physical therapists (kinesiologists), nutritionists, and psychologists: Adapted physical activity: Low-to-moderate intensity in-person sessions to improve cardiovascular capacity, reduce pain sensitivity, and promote general well-being. Therapeutic education: Talks (online/in-person) to improve understanding of the condition and foster self-care. Nutritional counseling: Assessment of nutritional status and guidance on anti-inflammatory nutrition, healthy habits, and key micronutrients. Mental health workshops: Strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and stress management to improve emotional regulation and resilience. Methodology and Participation Population: The study is aimed at individuals over 18 years old diagnosed with fibromyalgia who are members of the Fibromyalgia Corporation of the Valparaíso Region. Procedure: It includes an initial assessment (pre-test), the implementation of the interdisciplinary program, and a final assessment (post-test) to measure functional, nutritional, and psychosocial changes. Safety: The procedures are non-invasive. To minimize any physical or emotional discomfort, the team will implement a gradual progression in exercises and provide emotional support spaces in a safe and supportive environment. Expected Benefits For participants: A significant improvement in their functional and nutritional status and psychosocial well-being is expected, positively impacting their quality of life and perceived pain levels. For the community: The project seeks to make the needs of people with fibromyalgia visible, strengthen the local health network, and foster a more resilient and supportive community. For professional training: By working under a service-learning model, Physical Therapy and Nutrition students will acquire practical skills by working in real contexts alongside professionals. Ethical Commitments Confidentiality: All information will be treated with strict confidentiality protocols, using alphanumeric codes to anonymize user data. Voluntariness: Participation is entirely voluntary. Interested individuals will receive clear information, will be able to resolve any doubts, and must sign an informed consent form before beginning. Transparency: The study does not involve monetary incentives and has no conflicts of interest with external institutions. This project is led by the principal investigator Marco Antonio Higueras Contreras, in collaboration with co-investigator Natalia María Muñoz Palma, both from the Department of Rehabilitation, Intervention, and Therapeutic Approach at the University of Playa Ancha.

Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Quality of Life, Sleep Quality, and Cognitive Function in Women With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive complaints, and psychoemotional symptoms, leading to functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Although exercise is recommended as a first-line non-pharmacological treatment, maintaining long-term adherence remains a major challenge. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has emerged as a promising approach to increase motivation and engagement during rehabilitation by integrating therapeutic exercise with interactive virtual environments. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a six-week exercise program delivered through immersive virtual reality compared with conventional exercise in women with fibromyalgia. Participants were randomly assigned to either an IVR exercise group or a conventional exercise group. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention, including fibromyalgia-related impact, global cognitive screening performance, sleep quality, and psychoemotional symptoms. Treatment adherence and user experience were also evaluated to explore their association with clinical outcomes.

Assessment of Pain Experience in Fibromyalgia

The aim of this study is to assess pain in individuals with fibromyalgia using abstract animations and graphical body maps, and to investigate the determinants of pain quality.

Interventional Study on the Effects of Forest Therapy in Fibromyalgia Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate if Forest therapy can reduce pain levels and improve the quality of life related to the level of pain perceived in fibromyalgia patients. The main question it aims to answer is: Does frequenting certified forest environments, according to the principles and methods of Forest Therapy, produce positive effects on chronic pain and the consumption of painkillers? The study is part of the "Forest Therapy Project as a Broad-Spectrum Tool for Patients Affected by Fibromyalgia" funded by the Tuscany Region as part of the Complementary Medicine program for the three-year period 2025-2027. The project will be carried out thanks to the collaboration with the National Research Council - Institute for BioEconomy (CNR-IBE)