The Current State of Virtual Reality in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Associated Chronic Pain: Terminology, Technology, and Associations

Applied Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(5), P. 2564 - 2564

Published: Feb. 27, 2025

Virtual reality (VR) demonstrates significant potential to improve rehabilitation outcomes for musculoskeletal conditions and associated chronic pain. However, the field faces notable challenges, including inconsistent terminology, a lack of specialized/comprehensive software solutions, an overwhelming variety hardware options, which can make it difficult healthcare professionals without technical expertise identify most suitable tools clinical use. This article explores current state VR in pain, focusing on terminology discrepancies, available key professional associations shaping field. A review is essential address inconsistencies that risk perpetuating misuse facilitate clearer communication. Building this review, we propose conceptual framework understanding aligns more closely with capabilities technology. comprehensive overview assist selecting appropriate technologies practice, guide researchers designing interventions, inform developers unmet needs Furthermore, provides valuable direction those engaged virtual rehabilitation, enabling them access resources, foster collaboration, stay informed about latest advancements domain. addresses confusion regarding VR, particularly relation its classification based levels immersion. Accordingly, proposes contributes standardized approach VR. Additionally, highlights solutions tailored patients emphasizing necessity further development area.

Language: Английский

Comparing mHealth-based Exercise and Offline Exercise for Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)

Published: March 22, 2025

Chronic neck pain (CNP) ranks among the world’s most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, affecting 223 million individuals globally. While both mobile health (mHealth) - based exercise and traditional offline have demonstrated efficacy in alleviating chronic pain, comparative evidence regarding their relative effectiveness remains unclear. The aim of this study is to assess interventions comparison methods for relieving intensity, decreasing functional disability, improving overall quality life suffering from Neck Pain (CNP). A systematic search was performed identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published inception until December 25, 2024, across multiple databases, such as Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Web Science. Data extraction carried out independently by pairs reviewers, who also evaluated bias using Cochrane Risk Bias tool. In total, six studies were identified, encompassing 381 participants with an average age 41.17±11.72 years. No statistically significant differences observed relief when comparing mHealth-based that did not incorporate mHealth (standard mean difference [SMD]=-0.31; 95% CI: -0.73 0.12, P=0.16). Additionally, there no concerning disability (SMD=-0.33; -0.68 0.02; P=0.06) or (SMD=0.19; -0.19 0.56; P=0.34). Conversely, a noted mHealth-supported unsupervised alleviation (SMD=-0.76; -1.06 -0.45; P<0.001) (SMD=-0.66; -1.01 -0.32; P<0.001). results indicate facilitated more effective than enhancing capabilities experiencing CNP. situations where face-to-face intervention unfeasible, should be regarded feasible alternative rehabilitation process

Language: Английский

Effectiveness of incorporating virtual reality-based training into exercise therapy for chronic spinal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 5, 2025

Background Chronic spinal pain (CSP) is a major global health challenge. Virtual reality-based training (VRBT) shows promise as complementary intervention for exercise therapy (ET). Objective This review aimed to provide conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of ET with and without incorporation VRBT CSP. Methods We systematically searched six electronic databases relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) available July 1, 2024. Two independent reviewers conducted literature screening, quality assessment, data extraction processes. Quantitative syntheses used Review Manager 5.4 Stata 15.1. Results analysis included 14 RCTs encompassing 554 participants. Incorporating into significantly enhanced efficacy intensity kinesiophobia both immediately after phase (MD = –1.29, 95% CI: −1.83 −0.75, p < 0.001; SMD –1.04, −1.95 −0.13, 0.001) at follow-up –1.44, −2.60 −0.29, 0.01; –1.85, −3.54 −0.15, 0.03). For disability, showed greater only (SMD –1.02, −1.92 0.02). Descriptive analyses that can further enhance in reducing depression anxiety, key components negative emotions. However, this study faced limitations such high heterogeneity (I²>90%) relatively short durations (up months), which may impact generalizability these findings. Conclusions Current suggests serve valuable complement ET, providing additional benefits CSP patients, particularly management, functional rehabilitation, psychological targeting

Language: Английский