Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Meta-analysis shows VR reduces pain and kinesiophobia in chronic low back pain, with effects maintained at follow-up. No significant impact on disability.
Physiotherapist beliefs and perspectives on virtual reality supported rehabilitation for musculoskeletal shoulder pain
Physiotherapists saw immersive VR as promising for shoulder rehabilitation but highlighted safety and practical barriers, calling for further research.
Durability of the Treatment Effects of an 8-Week Self-administered Home-Based Virtual Reality Program for Chronic Low Back Pain
An 8-week home-based immersive VR program for chronic low back pain reduced pain and interference, with benefits maintained at 6 months, outperforming sham VR.
Immersive and Nonimmersive Virtual Reality–Assisted Active Training in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
28 RCTs show VR-assisted training reduces chronic musculoskeletal pain. Nonimmersive VR benefits low back pain; immersive VR modestly improves neck pain.
Effect modifiers of virtual reality in pain management: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis
Meta-analysis of 122 RCTs showed immersive VR significantly reduced pain across conditions, especially in younger patients and those with moderate–severe pain.
Immersive virtual reality for shoulder rehabilitation: evaluation of a physical therapy program with Oculus Quest 2
Physiotherapists viewed immersive VR as promising for shoulder rehab, particularly for reducing fear and improving adherence, but identified safety and practical barriers.
Virtual reality and motor control exercises to treat chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial
Randomized trial comparing VR vs motor control exercises over 6 weeks in chronic neck pain patients. VR improved pressure pain thresholds, proprioception and functional limitation more.
The State of Science in the Use of Virtual Reality in the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain
Scoping review of 70 studies found VR effectively reduces acute and chronic pain. Distraction dominated acute pain studies, embodiment chronic. Adverse events were rarely assessed.
Improving Adherence to a Home Rehabilitation Plan for Chronic Neck Pain through Immersive Virtual Reality: A Case Report
Case report demonstrating that immersive VR improved adherence to home rehabilitation exercises in a patient with chronic neck pain through enhanced motivation and gamification.
Virtual Reality Intervention for Patients With Neck Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis of 8 RCTs found moderate evidence that VR reduces neck pain intensity, especially in multimodal programs and chronic cases. VR also improved disability and mobility.