Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common problems among adults. The usual physiotherapy treatment is to perform physical exercises. However, some LBP patients have false beliefs regarding their pain and they tend to avoid physical movements which might increase their pain and disability. Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be an effective intervention in improving motor functions and reducing pain perception. Existing VR interventions for LBP rehabilitation were based on a non-immersive VR, whereas to effectively reduce the pain intensity, we need an immersive VR. In this paper, we introduce the development and evaluation of a serious game called RabbitRun with an immersive experience to engage the patients in a virtual environment and distract them from the pain while performing LBP exercises. The initial usability evaluation results suggest that RabbitRun game is enjoyable and acceptable. The game is easy to play and learn and most of the participants are willing to play the game at home. This solution will enhance the rehabilitation outcome since the patients who are suffering from LBP can use the system at their home and train more for long period of time using a smartphone and low-cost virtual reality device, such as Google Cardboard.
Highlights
Low back pain (LBP) is considered number one reason for disability among adults [1].About eighty percent of the population has experienced low back pain once in their life [2]
Existing Virtual reality (VR) interventions for LBP rehabilitation were based on a non-immersive VR, whereas to effectively reduce the pain intensity, we need an immersive VR
Most of them would recommend LBP patients to play the game because they thought that the game has motivated them to move
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) is considered number one reason for disability among adults [1]. About eighty percent of the population has experienced low back pain once in their life [2]. LBP has social and economic impacts whereas it is one of the most common causes of work absence and activity limitation [3]. Based on a Clinical Practice Guideline on LBP, physical exercises are one of the most effective rehabilitation methods [4,5]. LBP is usually described by duration as acute, sub-acute or chronic.
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