Immediate and Short-Term Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Pain, Range of Motion, and Kinesiophobia in Patients with Cervical Spondylosis

Abstract

Context: Neck problems are the second most reported musculoskeletal condition. Neck injuries and pain are the common and frequent causes of absenteeism and disability. These conditions have a negative impact on individuals' activities of daily living. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality training (VRT) along with conventional physiotherapy over conventional treatment alone on pain, range of motion (ROM), and kinesiophobia in the patients with cervical spondylosis. Setting and Design: This was a randomized control trial done at the tertiary care hospital, Pune, India. Materials and Methods: Forty-four participants were randomly allocated using the chit method to the conventional group (n = 22) and conventional plus VRT group (n = 22). VRT was given using an immersive virtual reality headset. The outcomes assessed were pain using the Numeric Rating Scale and cervical ROM (all movements) using universal goniometer and kinesiophobia. Pain and ROM were assessed on the immediate (day 1) and short-term (day 3) basis while kinesiophobia was assessed only on day 3. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 16.0. Results: Intragroup analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the immediate and short-term assessment in both the groups for all the variables (P ≤ 0.05). However, intergroup analysis revealed that VRT is effective in alleviating pain in the immediate (P = 0.02) and short-term (P = 0.00) analysis and improving rotation (left rotation [ P = 0.04]; right rotation [ P = 0.01]) and side flexion (left side flexion [ P = 0.00]; and right side flexion [0.01]) ranges. The results were insignificant for flexion, extension, and kinesiophobia. Conclusion: The present study concluded that both the protocols are effective in reducing pain and improving ROM. VRT was better in reducing pain than conventional treatment on the immediate and short-term basis. However, VRT group was not effective in improving ROM on an immediate basis. Both the treatment methods were equally effective in reducing kinesiophobia.