Effectiveness and adverse effects of immersive technologies used for rehabilitation of patients with non-specific neck pain
Systematic review of five RCTs suggests VR may improve pain and range of motion in non-specific neck pain. Both VR and controls improved. Safety data remain limited.
The analgesic effects and neural oscillatory mechanisms of virtual reality based on distraction and mindfulness strategies
Immersive VR reduced pain more than 2D or no input. Exploration boosted gamma activity; mindfulness increased alpha. Both produced similar analgesia via distinct neural mechanisms.
Virtual Reality for Pediatric Postoperative Pain Management: Exploring Methods and Efficacy
VR offers a promising nonpharmacological approach for pediatric postoperative pain through multisensory distraction and emotional modulation.
Innovative Technology Using Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Pain: Does It Reduce Pain via Distraction, or Is There More to It?
This review shows that VR reduces pain primarily through distraction, with emerging evidence for additional mechanisms like conditioning and exposure.
Effect of Virtual Reality on Pain Management and Opioid Use Among Hospitalized Patients After Head and Neck Surgery
In a pilot randomized trial after head and neck surgery, immersive VR significantly reduced postoperative pain and opioid use compared with a 2D control.
Randomized, Crossover Study of Immersive Virtual Reality to Decrease Opioid Use During Painful Wound Care Procedures
Immersive VR during wound care reduced opioid use compared with standard care. Most patients preferred IVR, supporting it as an effective analgesic distraction.
Virtual reality for management of pain in hospitalized patients: A randomized comparative effectiveness trial
This randomized trial shows that on-demand VR significantly reduced pain in hospitalized patients compared with health-and-wellness TV, with strongest effects in those with severe pain.
Interacting with virtual objects via embodied avatar hands reduces pain intensity and diverts attention
Interactive VR with embodied avatar hands significantly reduced pain intensity, unpleasantness, and pain-related thoughts compared to passive VR.
Virtual reality as a pain distraction modality for experimentally induced pain in a chronic pain population
Immersive, interactive VR increased pain tolerance in chronic pain patients. Greater presence during VR was positively associated with higher pain tolerance.
Immersive Virtual Reality for Pediatric Pain
VR is a promising tool for managing pediatric acute, procedural, and chronic pain, with presence, interactivity and embodiment enhancing acceptance.