Effectiveness of Virtual Reality on Rehabilitation of Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain Patients.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) is used extensively for musculoskeletal conditions, but its efficacy in chronic low back pain still needs more investigation. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the effectiveness of VR on selected outcomes in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain (CNSLBP). METHODS: Thirty-five patients with CNSLBP joined this study. Postural correction exercises using the TBed VR gaming system in addition to hamstring stretching were employed, and moist heat on the low back was applied. Pre- and post-intervention values of pain, ROM, function, and balance (overall stability index) were obtained using the numerical rating pain scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index, back range of motion (BROM), and Biodex system. Satisfaction level on a 1-10 scale and the degree of commitment to the exercise sessions were assessed after the intervention. RESULTS: The patients completed the intervention period and outcome measures sessions. Paired t-tests reported statistically significant improvements and high effect size in pain, ROM, function, and balance after the end of the treatment (p < 0.001, Cohen's d > 0.69). The level of satisfaction was 9.25 ± 0.766, and the commitment to exercise sessions was high (98.75% attendance rate). CONCLUSIONS: Applying postural correction using TBed VR gaming in addition to heat and stretching may improve pain, range of motion, function, and balance in patients with chronic low back pain.