JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Virtual reality (VR) games may be an enjoyable way of improving function among people with chronic pain

Objective:

To assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of VR in a chronic pain treatment centre, and to assess the acceptability of VR treatment for patients in this setting

Methods:

For this mixed-methods feasibility study, 29 chronic pain patients were randomised to an active VR intervention or physiotherapy treatment as usual (TAU). The TAU group completed a 6-week waitlist (WL) prior to receiving standard treatment, to act as a no treatment control group. The VR intervention comprised twice weekly immersive VR sessions to encourage movement. Seven VR participants completed semi-structured interviews to assess their perceptions of the intervention.

Results:

Of 99 patients referred to physiotherapy, 53 were eligible, 29 enrolled, and 17 completed the trial. Patients in the VR group showed greater improvements in activity levels, pain intensity, pain interference, and reported greater treatment satisfaction, and perceived improvement compared to both WL and TAU. Relative effect sizes were larger when VR was compared to WL, and smaller when VR was compared to TAU. Qualitative analysis produced three themes; 1) VR is an enjoyable alternative to traditional physiotherapy; 2) VR has functional and psychological benefits despite continued pain, and 3) a well-designed VR set-up is important.

Conclusions:

VR was highly acceptable and produced favourable effects compared to no treatment, and similar outcomes as TAU. A confirmatory RCT is warranted, however barriers to recruitment suggest that incentivising participation, using a different treatment setting, or running multicentre trial is needed. Clinical Trial: Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111-1234-0487 Clinical Trial Registry Name: ANZCTR Number: ACTRN12619001170112 URL: https://anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12619001170112.aspx