Development and feasibility testing of a back extension-glide virtual reality game for low-back pain

Abstract

Development and feasibility testing of a Kinect Xbox operated non-immersive back extension-glide virtual reality game (BE-G VRG) was carried out among 42 patients with chronic low-back pain. Feasibility of the BE-G VRG was explored using system usability scale and gaming experience questionnaire and game user experience satisfaction scale (GUESS). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity. Participants' VAS score was 5.02 ± 1.94. The GUESS' game user experience of the BE-G VRG on a scale of 0 to 7, was 5.66 ± 0.86, 5.41 ± 1.03, 5.40 ± 0.957 and 5.37 ± 0.970 for game audio aesthetics, engrossment, game usability, personal gratification and visual aesthetics respectively. Audio level (77.5%) and visual aesthetics (62.5%) were the top rated game usability experience; and system usability and enjoyment scores were 54.9 ± 7.76 (out of 100) and 4.23 ± 0.53 (out of 5). The BE-G VRG has moderate to high usability, satisfaction and game experience among patients with moderate intensity chronic low-back pain.