Search Articles

Home / Articles

Comparison of different Virtual Reality Exercises compared to Conventional Physiotherapy for chronic Low back Pain: A feasibility study

. Muhammad Waqar Afzal, Ashfaq Ahmad, Mohammad A Mohseni-Bandpei, Syed Amir Gilani, Tahir Mehmmod & Nimra Zulfiqar


Abstract

One of the most common health problems that seriously impairs people's lives and frequently defies medical care is chronic low back pain. Currently, Virtual reality (VR) has been administrated for different musculoskeletal disorders including chronic low back pain.

Objective- The study aim was to determine and compare the effects of different games on pain and physical disability with conventional physiotherapy on low back pain.

Methods- In this study, 40 patients with chronic low back pain were equally allocated in five groups, A, B, C, D and E. The first four groups received virtual reality exercises and back strengthening exercises along with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Rally ball, reflex ridge, river rush and fruit Ninja were the games played by Group A (n=8), Group B (n=8), Group C (n=8) and Group D (n=8) respectively. While group E ‘Treatment as usual’ received only conventional Physiotherapy. Pain through visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional status through back pain functional scale (BPFS) were measured at baseline and after 9th session.

Results- The mean age of participants was 41.10+6.68 years. The post mean of back pain functional scale (BPFS) for Group E, was significantly lower 24.38±3.02 than those for virtual reality games like "Reflex Ridge" 50.25±5.2, "Rally Ball" 48.00±3.07, "Fruit Ninja" 40.63±5.55, and "River Rush" 34.50±5.35.  No significant differences was found between Group A and Group B (p>.05). Group A and B scored significantly higher on the back pain functional scale (BPFS) than groups C and D. Similar findings were seen on pain intensity, which revealed differences across group E that were noticeably less significant than in other virtual reality games. The back pain functional scale (BPFS) scores significantly increased for all groups as p values were p<.05

Conclusion-The results showed that Virtual reality significantly reduced pain intensity and functional impairment. Virtual reality games performed better than conventional treatments in reducing pain severity.

Key words:

Virtual Reality, Chronic Low Back Pain, Fruit Ninja, Low Back Pain, Rally ball, Reflex ridge, River rush

Download :