A synthesis of meta-analyses of immersive virtual reality interventions in pain
Umbrella review of 54 meta-analyses demonstrates immersive VR is efficacious for procedural pain. Evidence for chronic pain shows only short-term pain intensity improvements.
Efficacy of virtual reality for pain relief in medical procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 92 RCTs demonstrates VR significantly reduces pain across medical procedures, with strongest effects in pediatric populations and venepuncture.
Can virtual reality enhance the patient experience during awake invasive procedures?
Systematic review of 16 RCTs demonstrates VR significantly reduces procedural anxiety and pain during awake invasive procedures, with favorable effects on patient satisfaction.
Extended reality used in the treatment of phantom limb pain: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Multicenter double-blind RCT comparing phantom motor execution versus imagery using extended reality. Both interventions reduced pain by approximately 65-68%.
Characteristics of Phantom Limb Pain Alleviated with Virtual Reality Rehabilitation
In 19 amputees, VR rehabilitation reduced phantom limb pain and improved movement representation. Relief was associated with kinesthesia-related symptoms, not somatosensory pain.
Clinical Trial of the Virtual Integration Environment to Treat Phantom Limb Pain With Upper Extremity Amputation
Fourteen service members with upper limb amputation used a VR simulator. After ~18 sessions, 88% reduced phantom limb pain and 80% reduced residual limb pain.
Know Pain Know Gain: proposing a treatment approach for phantom limb pain
Phantom limb pain affects 50–80% of amputees and is difficult to manage. This review summarizes pathophysiology and proposes a clinically informed treatment approach for combat-related amputations.
Virtual Reality–Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Meta-analysis of 20 RCTs found VR-based training significantly reduced pain, kinesiophobia, and disability immediately after treatment in chronic low back pain.
Phantom limb pain: A literature review
This review summarizes definitions, proposed mechanisms, and available treatments for phantom limb phenomena. Despite advances, a comprehensive unified framework remains lacking.
The Efficacy of Virtual Reality on the Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Diseases: Umbrella Review
Umbrella review of 14 meta-analyses found VR reduces musculoskeletal pain and improves function and psychological outcomes, though evidence shows substantial heterogeneity.