The Use of Virtual Reality in Back Pain Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Role of Virtual Reality in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction that significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This article explores the potential role of virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating patients with IBS.

RECENT FINDINGS

While CBT is a proven, skills-based therapy approach that modifies behaviors and alters dysfunctional thinking patterns to influence the gut-brain axis and improve IBS symptoms, it is rarely prescribed given a paucity of CBT-trained clinicians. We developed a novel VR program that delivers a standardized CBT program over an 8-week period to help patients manage their symptoms. In initial qualitative validation testing, patients expressed positive perceptions about using VR CBT for IBS. Home-based, standardized VR CBT has the potential to be an effective and scalable treatment option for patients with IBS. While initial studies have shown proof-of-concept definitive randomized controlled trials are needed to demonstrate the efficacy of self-administered VR CBT in IBS.

Virtual Reality in Acute and Chronic Pain Medicine: An Updated Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review critically analyzes the recent literature on virtual reality's (VR) use in acute and chronic pain management, offering insights into its efficacy, applications, and limitations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies, including meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated VR's effectiveness in reducing pain intensity in various acute pain scenarios, such as procedural/acute pain and in chronic pain conditions. The role of factors such as immersion and presence in enhancing VR's efficacy has been emphasized. Further benefits have been identified in the use of VR for assessment as well as symptom gathering through conversational avatars. However, studies are limited, and strong conclusions will require further investigation. VR is emerging as a promising non-pharmacological intervention in pain management for acute and chronic pain. However, its long-term efficacy, particularly in chronic pain management, remains an area requiring further research. Key findings highlight that VR programs vary in efficacy depending on the specificity of the origin of pain.

Immersive and Nonimmersive Virtual Reality-Assisted Active Training in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality (VR) in different immersive conditions has been increasingly used as a nonpharmacological method for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of VR-assisted active training versus conventional exercise or physiotherapy in chronic musculoskeletal pain and to analyze the effects of immersive versus nonimmersive VR on pain outcomes.

METHODS

This systematic review of randomized control trials (RCTs) searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception to June 9, 2024. RCTs comparing adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain receiving VR-assisted training were included. The primary outcome was pain intensity; secondary outcomes included functional disability and kinesiophobia. Available data were pooled in a meta-analysis. Studies were graded using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool version 2.

RESULTS

In total, 28 RCTs including 1114 participants with some concerns for a high risk of bias were identified, and 25 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. In low back pain, short-term outcomes measured post intervention showed that nonimmersive VR is effective in reducing pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.79, 95% CI -2.72 to -0.87; P<.001), improving disability (SMD -0.44, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.16; P=.002), and kinesiophobia (SMD -2.94, 95% CI -5.20 to -0.68; P=.01). Intermediate-term outcomes measured at 6 months also showed that nonimmersive VR is effective in reducing pain (SMD -8.15, 95% CI -15.29 to -1.01; P=.03), and kinesiophobia (SMD -4.28, 95% CI -8.12 to -0.44; P=.03) compared to conventional active training. For neck pain, immersive VR reduced pain intensity (SMD -0.55, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.08; P=.02) but not disability and kinesiophobia in the short term. No statistical significances were detected for knee pain or other pain regions at all time points. In addition, 2 (8%) studies had a high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Both nonimmersive and immersive VR-assisted active training is effective in reducing back and neck pain symptoms. Our study findings suggest that VR is effective in alleviating chronic musculoskeletal pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022302912; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=302912.

Pain Education and Virtual Reality Improves Pain, Pain-related Fear of Movement, and Trunk Kinematics in Individuals With Persistent Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of combining pain education and virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy using a cognitive-behavioral therapy-informed approach (virtual reality-based cognitive behavioral therapy [VR-CBT]) on pain intensity, fear of movement, and trunk movement in individuals with persistent low back pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven participants were recruited in a single cohort repeated measures study, attending 3 sessions 1 week apart. The VR-CBT intervention included standardized pain education (session 1) and virtual reality-based exposure therapy (VRET; session 2) incorporating gameplay with mixed reality video capture and reflective feedback of performance. Outcome measures (pain intensity, pain-related fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), and trunk kinematics during functional movements (maximum amplitude and peak velocity) were collected at baseline (session 1) and 1 week after education (session 2) and VRET (session 3). One-way repeated measures analysis of variances evaluated change in outcomes from baseline to completion. Post hoc contrasts evaluated effect sizes for the education and VR components of VR-CBT.

RESULTS

Thirty-four participants completed all sessions. Significant ( P < 0.001) reductions were observed in mean (SD) pain (baseline 5.9 [1.5]; completion 4.3 [2.1]) and fear of movement (baseline 42.6 [6.4]; completion 34.3 [7.4]). Large effect sizes (Cohen d ) were observed for education (pain intensity: 0.85; fear of movement: 1.28), whereas the addition of VRET demonstrated very small insignificant effect sizes (pain intensity: 0.10; fear of movement: 0.18). Peak trunk velocity, but not amplitude, increased significantly ( P < 0.05) across trunk movement tasks.

CONCLUSION

A VR-CBT intervention improved pain, pain-related fear of movement, and trunk kinematics. Further research should explore increased VR-CBT dosage and mechanisms underlying improvement.

Telehealth and Virtual Reality Technologies in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides medical practitioners with an overview of the present and emergent roles of telehealth and associated virtual reality (VR) applications in chronic pain (CP) management, particularly in the post-COVID-19 healthcare landscape.

RECENT FINDINGS

Accumulated evidence points to the efficacy of now well-established telehealth modalities, such as videoconferencing, short messaging service (SMS), and mobile health (mHealth) applications in complementing remote CP care. More recently, and although still in early phases of clinical implementation, a wide range of VR-based interventions have demonstrated potential for improving the asynchronous remote management of CP. Additionally, VR-associated technologies at the leading edge of science and engineering, such as VR-assisted biofeedback, haptic technology, high-definition three-dimensional (HD3D) conferencing, VR-enabled interactions in a Metaverse, and the use of wearable monitoring devices, herald a new era for remote, synchronous patient-physician interactions. These advancements hold the potential to facilitate remote physical examinations, personalized remote care, and innovative interventions such as ultra-realistic biofeedback. Despite the promise of VR-associated technologies, several limitations remain, including the paucity of robust long-term effectiveness data, heterogeneity of reported pain-related outcomes, challenges with scalability and insurance coverage, and demographic-specific barriers to patient acceptability. Future research efforts should be directed toward mitigating these limitations to facilitate the integration of telehealth-associated VR into the conventional management of CP. Despite ongoing barriers to widespread adoption, recent evidence suggests that VR-based interventions hold an increasing potential to complement and enhance the remote delivery of CP care.

Virtual Reality-Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is one of the most prevalent pain conditions worldwide. Virtual reality-based training has been used for low back pain as a new treatment strategy. Present evidence indicated that the effectiveness of virtual reality-based training for people with chronic low back pain is inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the immediate- and short-term effects of virtual reality-based training on pain, pain-related fear, and disability in people with chronic low back pain.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception until January 2024. Only randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of virtual reality-based training on individuals with chronic low back pain were selected. The outcomes were focused on pain, pain-related fear measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index. The immediate term was defined as the immediate period after intervention, and the short term was defined as 3 to 6 months after intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach were used to evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence, respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1059 patients were eligible for analysis. Virtual reality-based training showed significant improvements in pain (mean difference [MD] -1.43; 95% CI -1.86 to -1.00; I2=95%; P<.001), pain-related fear using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (MD -5.46; 95% CI -9.40 to 1.52; I2=90%; P=.007), and disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (MD -11.50; 95% CI -20.00 to -3.01; I2=95%; P=.008) in individuals with chronic low back pain immediately after interventions. However, there were no significant differences observed in pain (P=.16), pain-related fear (P=.10), and disability (P=.43) in the short term.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that virtual reality-based training can be used effectively for individuals with chronic low back pain in the immediate term, especially to reduce pain, alleviate pain-related fear, and improve disability. However, the short-term benefits need more high-quality trials to be demonstrated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021292633; http://tinyurl.com/25mydxpz.

Effects of Virtual Reality Exercises on Chronic Low Back Pain: Quasi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is a common health problem globally. Based on the duration of pain, it is classified as acute, subacute, or chronic low back pain. Different treatment strategies are available to reduce chronic low back pain. Virtual reality (VR) is a novel approach in back pain rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effects of VR games on chronic low back pain.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted among 40 patients with chronic low back pain. The data were collected using a nonprobability, convenient sampling technique. Patients visiting the Department of Physiotherapy, Government Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, were recruited and equally divided into 4 groups. Group A received the Reflex Ridge game; group B received the Body Ball game; group C combined the 2 games without back-strengthening exercises; and group D combined the 2 games with back-strengthening exercises. The participants received 8 treatment sessions, with 3 sessions/wk. The outcomes were pre- and posttest measurements of pain intensity, low back disability, and lumbar range of motion. The repeated measurement ANOVA was used for inter- and intragroup comparison, with significance at P≤.05.

RESULTS

The study comprised a sample of 40 patients with low back pain; 12 (40%) were female and 28 (60%) were male, with a mean age of 37.85 (SD 12.15) years. The pre- and posttest mean pain scores were 7.60 (SD 1.84) and 4.20 (SD 1.62) in group A, 6.60 (SD 1.776) and 5.90 (SD 1.73) in group B, 6.90 (SD 1.73) and 5.40 (SD 1.07) in group C, and 7.10 (SD 1.53) and 3.60 (SD 0.97) in group D, respectively. The mean pain score differences of group D (combining the Reflex Ridge and Body Ball games with back-strengthening exercises) compared to groups A, B, and C were -.60 (P=.76), -2.30 (P<.001), and -1.80 (P=.03), respectively. Regarding the range of motion, the forward lumbar flexion mean differences of group D compared to groups A, B, and C were 3.80 (P=.21), 4.80 (P=.07), and 7.40 (P<.001), respectively. Similarly, the right lateral lumbar flexion mean differences of group D compared to groups A, B, and C were 2.80 (P=.04), 5.20 (P<.001), and 4.80 (P<.001), respectively. The left lateral lumbar flexion mean differences of group D compared to groups A, B, and C were 2.80 (P<.001), 4.80 (P=.02), and 2.20 (P<.001). respectively, showing significant pre- and posttreatment effects.

CONCLUSIONS

VR exercises had statistically significant effects on improving pain, low back disability, and range of motion in all groups, but the combination of Reflex Ridge and Body Ball games with back-strengthening exercises had dominant effects compared to the other groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial IRCT20200330046895N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/46916.

Sensory stimulations potentializing digital therapeutics pain control

For the past two decades, using Digital Therapeutics (DTx) to counter painful symptoms has emerged as a novel pain relief strategy. Several studies report that DTx significantly diminish pain while compensating for the limitations of pharmacological analgesics (e.g., addiction, side effects). Virtual reality (VR) is a major component of the most effective DTx for pain reduction. Notably, various stimuli (e.g., auditory, visual) appear to be frequently associated with VR in DTx. This review aims to compare the hypoalgesic power of specific stimuli with or without a VR environment. First, this review will briefly describe VR technology and known elements related to its hypoalgesic effect. Second, it will non-exhaustively list various stimuli known to have a hypoalgesic effect on pain independent of the immersive environment. Finally, this review will focus on studies that investigate a possible potentialized effect on pain reduction of these stimuli in a VR environment.

Get Your Head in the Game: A Replicated Single-Case Experimental Design Evaluating the Effect of a Novel Virtual Reality Intervention in People With Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Contemporary treatment of CLBP is suboptimal, with small-moderate effect sizes and high relapse rates. Virtual reality (VR) is an increasingly accessible technology that can improve adherence to exercise programs through gamification. Using VR to facilitate exercise adherence and enjoyment may improve the clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a gamified VR graded activity intervention in people with CLBP, using commercially available and bespoke VR programs. A sequentially replicated, multiple-baseline, randomized AB single-case experimental design was undertaken in 10 people with CLBP. Outcomes were assessed daily and included pain intensity (primary) and pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, and anxiety/worry (secondary). The effect of the intervention on the primary outcome was evaluated using a multilevel-model, nonparametric randomization test. The VR graded activity intervention resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity (effect estimate = -1.0, standard error = .27, P < .0011) with 4 participants achieving ≥30% pain reduction (minimum important change). There was a significant effect of the intervention on pain catastrophizing but not pain-related fear or anxiety/worry measures. These findings provide preliminary support for a VR graded activity program to reduce pain in people with CLBP. PERSPECTIVE: This novel, VR graded activity intervention reduced pain intensity and catastrophizing in people with CLBP. The intervention also had high adherence and enjoyment. Given that this intervention involved 2 freely available VR programs, it can be easily translated into clinical practice.

Virtual reality for pain management: an umbrella review

Background and objective

Virtual reality is a promising pain control strategy for various pain conditions. This umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses aims to evaluate the analgesic effects of virtual reality.

Methods

We searched for the relevant reviews in Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane library. Our primary outcome was pain, with secondary outcomes including disability, general health status, patient satisfaction, depression, balance, fear of movement, and adverse events. The quality of included articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 tool.

Results

21 systematic reviews and meta-analyses with 274 studies and 17,680 patients were included in this review. All the reviews concluded benefits of virtual reality in managing pain conditions, including chronic and pain.

Discussion and conclusions

This umbrella review demonstrates successful application of virtual reality in pain control, including perioperative, periprocedural, and chronic pain settings. Virtual reality can be used as an alternative therapy for pain management in children and adults.

Virtual Reality Intervention for Patients With Neck Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Neck pain is a prevalent condition that causes an enormous health care burden due to the lack of efficient therapies. As a promising technology, virtual reality (VR) has shown advantages in orthopedic rehabilitation. However, there is no meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness of VR in neck pain management.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to review original randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of VR for neck pain and to provide evidence for the clinical application of a new alternative approach for pain management.

METHODS

A total of 9 electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published from inception to October 2022. RCTs in English or Chinese that investigated VR therapy for participants with neck pain were included. The methodological quality and the evidence level were assessed using the Cochrane Back and Neck Risk of Bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guideline, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies with 382 participants were included for the final analysis. For the pain intensity, the overall pooled effect size was 0.51, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.51 (95% CI -0.91 to -0.11; GRADE: moderate), favoring VR therapy compared with controls. Subgroups analyses revealed that significant differences in pain intensity were found in the multimodal intervention (VR in combination with other therapies) than in other interventions (SMD -0.45, 95% CI -0.78 to -0.13; GRADE: moderate), and better analgesic effects were also observed in patients with chronic neck pain receiving VR intervention (SMD -0.70, 95% CI -1.08 to -0.32; GRADE: moderate) and patients treated in the clinic or research unit (SMD -0.52, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.05; GRADE: moderate) than controls. Regarding other health outcomes, the VR experienced less disability, lower kinesiophobia, and greater kinematic function (cervical range of motion, mean and peak velocity). Nevertheless, the follow-up effects of VR therapy on pain intensity and disability were not found.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing moderate evidence support VR as a beneficial nonpharmacological approach to improve pain intensity in patients with neck pain, with advantages to multimodal intervention, people with chronic neck pain, and clinic or research unit-based VR therapy. However, the limited quantity and high heterogeneity of the articles limit our findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42020188635; https://tinyurl.com/2839jh8w.

Physiotherapy with integrated virtual reality for patients with complex chronic low back pain: protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial (VARIETY study)

BACKGROUND

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the most common chronic pain condition worldwide. Currently, primary care physiotherapy is one of the main treatment options, but effects of this treatment are small. Virtual Reality (VR) could be an adjunct to physiotherapy care, due to its multimodal features. The primary aim of this study is to assess the (cost-)effectiveness of physiotherapy with integrated multimodal VR for patients with complex CLBP, compared to usual primary physiotherapy care.

METHODS

A multicenter, two-arm, cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 120 patients with CLBP from 20 physiotherapists will be conducted. Patients in the control group will receive 12 weeks of usual primary physiotherapy care for CLBP. Patients in the experimental group will receive treatment consisting of 12 weeks of physiotherapy with integrated, immersive, multimodal, therapeutic VR. The therapeutic VR consists of the following modules: pain education, activation, relaxation and distraction. The primary outcome measure is physical functioning. Secondary outcome measures include pain intensity, pain-related fears, pain self-efficacy and economic measures. Effectiveness of the experimental intervention compared to the control intervention on primary and secondary outcome measures will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat principle, using linear mixed-model analyses.

DISCUSSION

This pragmatic, multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial, will determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy with integrated, personalized, multimodal, immersive VR in favor of usual physiotherapy care for patients with CLBP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05701891).

The Effects of Interactive Virtual Reality in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: Interactive virtual reality (iVR) has been widely used for treatment purposes in patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. However, no consensus has been reached on the effects of iVR on pain, psychological distress, and functional disability. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of iVR on pain, psychological distress, and functional disability in patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders compared with no rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation. Methods: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were searched from January 2016 to December 2021. All randomized controlled trials using iVR for treating pain, psychological distress, and functional disability in patients with chronic musculoskeletal disorders were included. A subgroup analysis was conducted to compare the effects of nonimmersive and immersive types of iVR on the outcomes of interest. Results: Our study provides good quality evidence that iVR reduced overall pain by 9.28 points as compared with no rehabilitation and by 8.09 points as compared with conventional rehabilitation. In the subgroup analysis, nonimmersive iVR showed a reduction in psychological distress (standardized mean differences = -0.35) as compared with no rehabilitation. However, no statistically significant difference in the outcomes existed between nonimmersive and immersive iVR. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in the outcomes of functional disability. Conclusions: iVR is recommended for reducing pain intensity more than no rehabilitation or conventional rehabilitation. Meanwhile, nonimmersive iVR has been proposed for psychological distress improvement, with effects similar to those of conventional rehabilitation. However, iVR may not be an effective intervention in the case of functional disability.

Effectiveness of Mechanical Horse-Riding Simulator-Based Interventions in Patients with Cerebral Palsy-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Mechanical horse-riding simulator (HRS) exercises are a type of therapy based on the use of robotic or mechanical devices that produces movement similar to a real horse with the aim of simulating hippotherapy. This review analyses the effectiveness of HRS therapies in patients with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

A systematic review and a meta-analysis were carried out by searching studies in PubMed Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro and SciELO up until October 2022. We selected clinical trials that assessed the effectiveness of HRS therapy, compared to other interventions, in patients with CP. The main variables were gross motor function (its global score and dimensions, such as sitting ability), functional balance, spasticity, hip range of motion (ROM), posturographic balance and satisfaction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The pooled effect was calculated using Cohen's Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) for a 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, and 10 were included in the meta-analysis, providing data from 343 patients with spastic diplegic CP. Our findings revealed that HRS plus physiotherapy is more effective than physiotherapy in improving the total gross motor function (SMD 0.98; 95% CI 0.35-1.62), sitting ability of the gross motor function (SMD 0.84; 95% CI 0.32-1.36) and functional balance (SMD 0.6; 95% CI 0.1-1.08), and HRS therapy is better than sham to improve pelvic abduction ROM (SMD 0.79; 95% CI 0.21-1.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Horse-riding simulator-based therapy is an effective therapy to improve gross motor function, functional balance and abduction pelvic ROM in children with CP, in comparison to physiotherapy or sham.

The effects of virtual reality technology on reducing pain in wound care: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been widely used in clinical nursing care in recent years. We aimed to systematically evaluate the effect and safety of VR technology on pain control in wound care, to provide evidence and support for clinical wound care. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and Chinese Science and Technology Journal databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of VR technology in wound care up to December 20, 2021. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the included RCTs and extracted associated data. RevMan5.3 statistical software was used for data analysis. 13 RCTs involving 1258 adult patients were included, of whom 588 patients underwent VR intervention. VR technology intervention could reduce the VAS score(MD = -1.13, 95%CI:-2.01~-0.26, P < .001), pain cognition score(MD = -3.94, 95%CI:-4.59 ~ -3.30, P < .001), pain emotion score(MD = -5.21, 95%CI: -10.46 ~ -0.04, P < .001), pain sensation score (MD = -4.94, 95%CI: -9.46 ~ -0.42, P = .03) and blood pressure(MD = -4.66, 95%CI: -8.63 ~ -0.69, P = .02) during would care. There were no significant differences on the heart rate (MD = -1.85, 95%CI: -5.71 ~ -2.01, P = .45) and VR interestingness (MD = 28.96, 95%CI: -22.10 ~ 80.02, P = .27) of the VR group and control group. No publication biases among the synthesised outcomes were found (all P > .001). VR technology can effectively reduce the pain degree and sensation of patients during wound care, which may be an effective auxiliary non-drug method used for pain relief during wound care.

Pain Reduction With an Immersive Digital Therapeutic Tool in Women Living With Endometriosis-Related Pelvic Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic pelvic pain is a common and disabling condition in women living with endometriosis. Pharmacological and surgical treatments are not always effective at controlling pain and present important restrictions. Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as major nonpharmacological alternatives that aim to extend the analgesic therapeutic arsenal of patients.

OBJECTIVE

In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), we aimed to measure the immediate and 4-hour persisting effects of a single use 20-minute DTx (Endocare) on pain in women experiencing pelvic pain due to endometriosis.

METHODS

A total of 45 women with endometriosis participated in a randomized controlled study comparing the analgesic effect of a single use of a virtual reality digital treatment named Endocare (n=23, 51%) to a 2D digital control (n=22, 49%). Perceived pain and pain relief were measured before the treatment and 15, 30, 45, 60, and 240 minutes after the end of the treatment.

RESULTS

The clustered posttreatment pain was significantly reduced compared to the pretreatment for both Endocare and the control group (all P<.01). Endocare was significantly more effective than the control group (all P<.01). Endocare decreased the mean pain intensity from 6.0 (SD 1.31) before the treatment to 4.5 (SD 1.71) posttreatment, while the control only decreased it from 5.7 (SD 1.36) to 5.0 (SD 1.43). When comparing each posttreatment measures to the pretest, Endocare significantly reduced pain perception for all points in time up to 4 hours posttreatment. The differences did not reached significance for the control group. Moreover, Endocare was significantly superior to the control group 15, 30, and 45 minutes after the treatment (all P<.001). The mean perceived pain relief was significantly higher for Endocare at 28% (SD 2%) compared to the control, which was 15% (SD 1%) for all the posttreatment measurements (all P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study aimed to test the effects of a single use of a DTx treatment on reported pain at different time points in women diagnosed with endometriosis experiencing moderate-to-severe pelvic pain. Importantly, our results support that Endocare, a virtual reality immersive treatment, significantly reduce pain perception compared to a digital control in women living with endometriosis. Interestingly, we are the first to notice that the effect persisted up to 4 hours posttreatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04650516; https://tinyurl.com/2a2eu9wv.

Feedback on Trunk Movements From an Electronic Game to Improve Postural Balance in People With Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Postural balance is compromised in people with low back pain, possibly by changes in motor control of the trunk. Augmenting exercising interventions with sensor-based feedback on trunk posture and movements might improve postural balance in people with low back pain.

Objective

We hypothesized that exercising with feedback on trunk movements reduces sway in anterior-posterior direction during quiet standing in people with low back pain. Secondary outcomes were lumbar spine and hip movement assessed during box lift and waiter bow tasks, as well as participant-reported outcomes. Adherence to the exercising intervention was also examined.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with the intervention group receiving unsupervised home exercises with visual feedback using the Valedo Home, an exergame based on 2 inertial measurement units. The control group received no intervention. Outcomes were recorded by blinded staff during 4 visits (T1-T4) at University Hospital Zurich. The intervention group performed 9 sessions of 20 minutes in the 3 weeks between T2 and T3 and were instructed to exercise at their own convenience between T3 and T4. Postural balance was assessed on a force platform. Lumbar spine and hip angles were obtained from 3 inertial measurement units. The assessments included pain intensity, disability, quality of life, and fear of movement questionnaires.

Results

A total of 32 participants with nonspecific low back pain completed the first assessment T1, and 27 (84%) participants were randomized at T2 (n=14, 52% control and n=13, 48% intervention). Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no significant difference in change in anterior-posterior sway direction during the intervention period with a specified schedule (T2-T3) between the groups (W=99; P=.36; r=0.07). None of the outcomes showed significant change in accordance with our hypotheses. The intervention group completed a median of 61% (55/90; range 2%-99%) of the exercises in the predefined training program. Adherence was higher in the first intervention period with a specified schedule.

Conclusions

The intervention had no significant effect on postural balance or other outcomes, but the wide range of adherence and a limited sample size challenged the robustness of these conclusions. Future work should increase focus on improving adherence to digital interventions.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04364243; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04364243

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/26982

Effects of Gaming on Pain-Related Fear, Pain Catastrophizing, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim was to systematically review the effects of gaming on pain-related fear, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], Web of Science, and SCOPUS) were searched from inception up to October 2021. Two reviewers independently selected randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of any gaming modality with other interventions or no treatment on pain-related fear, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression. For data synthesis, Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects inverse variance model for meta-analysis according to the outcome of interest, comparison group, and follow-up period. The level of evidence was synthesized using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Thirteen studies were included with a total sample of 680 patients. Gaming was superior to other treatments and no treatment on reducing pain-related fear (SMD: -1.23; 95% CI: -2.02 to -0.44) and anxiety (SMD: -0.55; 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.09), respectively. Gaming was not superior to other treatments on reducing pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression, and it was not superior to no treatment on reducing pain-related fear, pain catastrophizing, and depression. Those findings were based on very low or low-quality evidence. In a conclusion, gaming modalities may have positive effects on some mental health outcomes. However, there were conflicting results with low-quality evidence, which indicates that more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed.

Unraveling Negative Expectations and Nocebo-Related Effects in Musculoskeletal Pain

This Perspective adapts the ViolEx Model, a framework validated in several clinical conditions, to better understand the role of expectations in the recovery and/or maintenance of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. Here, particular attention is given to the condition in which dysfunctional expectations are maintained despite no longer being supported by confirmatory evidence (i.e., belief-lifting the arm leads to permanent tendon damage; evidence-after the patient lifts the arm no tendon damage occurs). While the ViolEx Model suggests that cognitive immunization strategies are responsible for the maintenance of dysfunctional expectations, we suggest that such phenomenon can also be understood from a Bayesian Brain perspective, according to which the level of precision of the priors (i.e., expectations) is the determinant factor accounting for the extent of priors' updating (i.e., we merge the two frameworks, suggesting that highly precise prior can lead to cognitive immunization responses). Importantly, this Perspective translates the theory behind these two frameworks into clinical suggestions. Precisely, it is argued that different strategies should be implemented when treating MSK pain patients, depending on the nature of their expectations (i.e., positive or negative and the level of their precision).

Virtual Reality Assisted Non-Pharmacological Treatments in Chronic Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Meta-Analysis

Virtual reality (VR) is a developing technology that has recently attracted the attention of healthcare practitioners. Recently, VR systems have been used to treat pain symptoms. The present study aims to evaluate the VR effectiveness on chronic pain management. A systematic literature search was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Keywords were used to discover the potentially eligible studies. The primary focus of the present investigation was to evaluate the possible effect of VR-assisted treatments on chronic pain, especially in the commonly occurring low back and neck pain. Nine studies reporting randomized controlled trials were included in the present study. VR-mediated interventions demonstrated significant improvement for pain symptoms in patients experiencing chronic pain. In addition, VR-mediated therapy decreased pain intensity and disability in the case of chronic neck pain compared to control conditions. However, the VR interventions showed a statistically non-significant improvement in chronic low back pain when experimental groups were compared with controls. VR therapy positive effect on chronic pain did not differ from the one reported for other types of interventions for pain management, as physical exercise and laser therapy. Taken together, these findings showed that currently available lines of evidence on the effect of VR-mediated therapy in chronic pain management, despite pointing towards possible therapeutical benefits of the VR-based intervention, are overall inconclusive and that more research on VR-assisted therapy for chronic pain is needed.

Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Virtual reality (VR) can present advantages in the treatment of chronic low back pain. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of VR in chronic low back pain. This review was designed according to PRISMA and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020222129). Four databases (PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched up to August 2021. Inclusion criteria were defined following PICOS recommendations. Methodological quality was assessed with the Downs and Black scale and the risk of bias with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review and eleven in the meta-analysis. Significant differences were found in favor of VR compared to no VR in pain intensity postintervention (11 trials; n = 569; SMD = −1.92; 95% CI = −2.73, −1.11; p < 0.00001) and followup (4 trials; n = 240; SDM = −6.34; 95% CI = −9.12, −3.56; p < 0.00001); and kinesiophobia postintervention (3 trials; n = 192; MD = −8.96; 95% CI = −17.52, −0.40; p = 0.04) and followup (2 trials; n = 149; MD = −12.04; 95% CI = −20.58, −3.49; p = 0.006). No significant differences were found in disability. In conclusion, VR can significantly reduce pain intensity and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain after the intervention and at followup. However, high heterogeneity exists and can influence the consistency of the results.